PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Ben Simmons used his time away from the court to clap back at a criticism gone-viral claiming he's "overrated."
During Friday night's NBC Sports Washington telecast of the Sixers-Wizards game, Washington Wizards broadcaster Justin Kutcher said, "I've said it before, and I know I'll take flak for it. I think Ben Simmons is one of, if not the most, overrated players in the NBA. And, he's gotten much love and attention that people aren't paying attention to what Tobias Harris is actually doing on the floor."
Without complete context, Kutcher's comment appears to have originated in defense of Sixers forward and All-Star snub Harris — while Simmons made his third All-Star Game in a row.
Simmons didn't play in Friday's Wizards game. Due to the NBA's health and safety protocols, he was wrapping up his seven-day quarantine after coming in contact with his barber, who tested positive for COVID-19. Simmons was unable to play in the March 7 All-Star Game anyway.
In response, Simmons trolled Kutcher, screenshotting and sharing one of his old Instagram photos with the comment, "ANOTHER CASUAL."
"Usually I see a lot of (expletive) on the internet," Simmons said Sunday after a Sixers win, "so when I saw that one, I had plenty of time because I was in quarantine still, so I scrolled through his Instagram, saw who he was.
"It is what it is — he's like a 5-foot-5 commentator for the Wizards, man. I can't give it too much attention. I was just playing a little game with him, but it is what it is. Everyone has their voice and they can say what they want, but it is what it is."
"Overrated" or not, Simmons is commonly criticized for not attempting enough jump shots — whether it's three-pointers or 15-footers.
Prior to the Sixers' victory over San Antonio on Sunday, legendary Spurs coach Gregg Popovich was asked if Simmons needs to shoot jumpers to be an elite NBA player. While Popovich agreed it would enhance his game, he noted Simmons' game is certainly not lacking.
"He so elite already. Who gives a damn if he can't shoot," Popovich said.
