There is a lot of polarity when it comes to Ben Simmons, as he's one of the more polarizing athletes across the country, let alone in Philadelphia.
The 6'11" former No. 1 overall pick and three-time All-Star has athletic traits that make him one of the best basketball players in the world, yet the simplest part of the game he struggles with—shooting.
This season, in particular, Simmons is averaging 14.9 points and 10.5 shot attempts per game, down from his career marks of 16.1 PPG and 11.7 FGA. And despite his continued play of elite level defense, Simmons' naysayers want more scoring.
In an interview released for GQ.com today with Tyler Tynes, Simmons explained that he's not worried about the outside noise and is simply focused on one thing—winning.
"The thing with people is that they think they know something soooo well," Simmons said via GQ.com. "And this guy thinks he knows basketball sooo well. And that may be because he watches the games but does he really know the game? Did he grow up playing the game? Has he been in different situations, has he run the point guard position, has he played at this level? Like, everybody wants to feel like they know the game. And that's just not the case. Draymond [Green] says it all the time. That's not the case. Not everybody knows everything about something or as much as they think they know.
"And for me? I can't worry about that. Because, right now, we're first [in the Eastern Conference]. If I was doing something completely wrong, I don't think we'd be in this position. Right now, we're sitting first. And hopefully gonna end first this season. As long as I keep my mind straight and focus on the things I need to do for my team, and teammates, then we're fine."
Ultimately, Simmons' critics are loudest when the Sixers lose, and that will be no different this postseason. Currently, the Sixers are the No. 1 seed in the East and hope to enter the playoffs that way, which will certainly add heightened expectations, something Simmons is welcoming.
"I think this is the year for us to do it, honestly," Simmons via GQ.com.
"To do what," the interviewer asked.
"Win the championship. I genuinely believe that. I feel like there's been years where guys would've said it on the Sixers, but I don't think we really believed it. But, I genuinely think this is the year."
You can read the full interview on GQ.com here.
