Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, including their thoughts on whether or not Ben Simmons is properly evaluated around the league based on his skill set. Heck, it wasn't long ago that I viewed Simmons as a tradable chip whose value could help more in bringing back talent than it would in a Sixers uniform.
That was, of course, before Simmons turned up the dial a notch and began playing legitimate top-tier basketball, and I admit that I was wrong. He currently tops the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year ladder, has upped his offensive efficiency in a big way from the first dozen games (12.5 points, .500 FG%, .632 FT%) to now (18.3 points, .619 FG%, .678 FT% since then), and was rightfully named to his third All-Star team in as many seasons. So maybe now isn't the best time to call Simmons overrated.
That didn't stop NBC Sports Washington play-by-play announcer Justin Kutcher from voicing that exact opinion on the Sixers-Wizards broadcast on Friday.
Evidently aware of the social media reaction following that opinion — which again, is just an opinion and is perfectly acceptable to think — Kutcher defended himself and doubled down.
So what did Simmons think of this appraisal? It was brought up following the Sixers' complete demolition of the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night, in which Simmons (14 points, 6-9 FG, 9 assists) helped lead the team to an Embiid-less win.
Ah, he played the height card. Pretty savvy move, especially when you're nearly seven feet tall. But it's probably how he's responded to a lot of criticism in his career, and yes, there has been a lot. You're telling me you've never engaged in a debate with your friends (or adversaries) about whether or not Simmons' inability to shoot disallows him from the label of "elite?"
Simmons had also found a picture of Kutcher in a robe and posted it to his Instagram story following the game, calling him a "casual."
Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, who knows a thing or two about basketball, weighed in on Simmons' talent after the game on Sunday night.
Maybe it's just me, but in my opinion, what Pop says goes.
Unfortunately, the 76ers don't play the Wizards again in the regular season — which is unfortunate because a) Philadelphia swept Washington, 3-0 and, b) we won't get to hear Kutcher's take on all this drama. However, should an Eastern Conference playoff series occur between the two teams, which could happen if the Wizards get hot, this story line will be a fun one to observe.
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