Ben Simmons grabbed headlines for expressing his desire for an NBA comeback. He named the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat as potential landing spots, prompting a lot of reactions on social media.
Stephen A. Smith didn't hold back with his comments, blasting the three-time All-Star and calling him a "basketball abomination."
The veteran sports commentator posted part of an episode of his show on X on Monday. He also quoted Simmons' statements from his interview with Men's Health Magazine.
"I think Ben Simmons is a basketball abomination," Smith said on "The Stephen A. Smith Show." "He is the only player that I have ever witnessed in NBA history who I believe should pay NBA teams to have him play. Not the other way around.
"This brother was literally on the basketball court scared to shoot. Literally treated attempting a jump shot as if you had asked him to be on the front lines in Iraq or Iran."
Smith added that the Heat could demand a lot from the 29-year-old, and the ESPN broadcaster knows that Simmons will not be able to handle it.
"Erik Spoelstra wants you to play," Smith said. "Pat Riley going to demand you play. They want you to earn your money down there. What you like about it? Inquiring minds want to know. Because you ain't doing it for nobody else.
"The biggest waste of talent we have seen in NBA history, if not all of professional sports in our lifetime."
Simmons last played in the NBA in the 2024-25 season. He started the campaign with the Brooklyn Nets, but they waived him on Feb. 8, 2025.
The former No. 1 pick signed with the Los Angeles Clippers two days later. However, the team did not offer him a new contract after the season, and he remains an unrestricted free agent.
Miami traded forGiannis Antetokounmpo on June 22. It is reportedly looking to add veteran help in free agency, particularly shooters. While Simmons doesn't offer floor spacing, he is a 6-foot-10 playmaker who can cause mismatches. He can be considered a low-risk, high-reward option, but it will all depend on whether the Heat shows interest in him.
