Ben Simmons dismissed media criticism of his career, emphasizing his lifelong dedication to basketball and calling out the negative impact of baseless opinions on the NBA.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons fired back at criticism of his career from ESPN's Stephen A. Smith and others.
"That's them making s**t up," Simmons told Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints. "Like, imagine if I just said, like, name whoever, and said whatever. It doesn't hold any weight, you know? Like, where does it come from?
"It's just their thought, it's their opinion, and everyone's entitled to their opinion, but I've been doing this my whole life since I was four years old. So, nothing is going to change that," he added. "Yeah, nothing's just going to change that out of nowhere."
The Australian star also believes the way media figures discuss players has a broader impact on the league.
"For the league, it 100 percent [has a negative domino effect]," Simmons said. "Because nothing's really valid now. Everyone can say what they want, and I mean, it is what it is."
The 28-year-old also pushed back against any doubts about his passion for the sport.
"Basketball is my life," Simmons told Azarly. "I don't want to play with my life. So that's who I am. It's in the family, it's in the blood. This is what I do. It's like walking. I love it. This is just what I do. Wake up, basketball's my thing. And I love the game. I love the opportunities it's given me in life and my family.
"So, I mean, even when I step away from the game one day, I'll still be involved in some aspect, whether it's coaching, whether it's helping the youth and giving back. That's just what I'm going to do."
Simmons began the 2024-25 season with the Brooklyn Nets but was bought out before signing with the LA Clippers.
Injuries have hampered his career, and in 40 total games with Brooklyn and Los Angeles this season, he has posted averages of 6.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game.
New Orleans Pelicans
Los Angeles Clippers
Miami Heat
Atlanta Hawks
Cleveland Cavaliers
Memphis Grizzlies
Oklahoma City Thunder