Ben Simmons Under Fire: Stephen A. Smith’s Explosive Take

As NBA teams refine their rotations and gear up for the playoff push, the importance of shooting and spacing has once again become a central talking point. In a league increasingly defined by perimeter efficiency and a fast-paced style of play, roster construction is paramount. This context fueled a particularly heated segment on ESPN’s “First Take,” where Stephen A. Smith delivered a blistering critique of free agent Ben Simmons.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Simmons last played for the Los Angeles Clippers and is currently evaluating his options. However, it was Smith’s uncompromising comments – and his refusal to retract them – that dominated headlines. “As long as ‘First Take’ is in existence, Ben Simmons will catch strays,” Smith declared. “I’m not apologizing to a damn soul. There is no bigger thief in the history of the NBA than that man.” He didn’t stop there, adding, “If Ben Simmons runs near a basketball arena, he should be arrested.”

Stephen A Smith GOES OFF of Ben Simmons 😳“As long as First Take is in existence, Ben Simmons will catch strays. I’m not apologizing to a damn soul. There is no bigger thief in the history of the NBA than that man. If Ben Simmons runs near a basketball arena, he should be… pic.twitter.com/vtvik4imXb

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) February 17, 2026

Smith doubled down throughout the segment, elaborating on his criticism of Simmons’ reluctance to shoot. “We have never, ever, ever seen this,” Smith emphasized. “You talk about a dude that would not shoot the damn basketball. That is the biggest thief.” He further argued that Simmons “made sure his check cleared twice a month in the NBA” while consistently avoiding shooting opportunities, adding, “If the man walked away from the game, that would be different.”

A Career of Potential and Controversy

These remarks, while strong even for Smith, reflect a long-standing debate about Simmons’ offensive approach in a league that increasingly prioritizes shooting range and floor spacing. Simmons entered the NBA with a rare and exciting skillset. Standing at 6-foot-10 with exceptional ball-handling and court vision, he won Rookie of the Year honors and earned three All-Star selections during his tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers.

However, his career 3-point volume remains remarkably low, continually reinforcing the narrative that critics often highlight. His career trajectory has been marked by several setbacks. Back issues and a prolonged holdout kept him sidelined for the entire 2021-22 season. In the 2024-25 season, he split time between the Brooklyn Nets and the Clippers, appearing in 51 games and averaging 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 22.0 minutes per game.

Despite a decline in scoring, his career averages of 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.2 assists over 383 games still demonstrate his playmaking abilities. However, these numbers are further scrutinized when considering Simmons has earned approximately $200 million throughout his career, according to Spotrac. During his 18 games with the Clippers, he averaged a mere 2.9 points in limited minutes before entering free agency.

The debate surrounding Ben Simmons isn’t just about statistics; it’s about maximizing potential and adapting to the evolving demands of the NBA. Will he find a role where his unique skillset can thrive, or will his reluctance to shoot continue to define his career?

Related: ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith Shares Personal Honor

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 17, 2026, in the NBA section.