Ben Simmons Calls Out NBA Critics For 'Making S--t Up' Amid Stephen A.'s Viral Remarks

Author Krops 04 Apr 2025

Alright, folks, gather 'round because we're diving deep into one of the most talked-about moments in the NBA world. Ben Simmons calls out NBA critics for making things up, and it’s creating a stir that’s bigger than a Shaq dunk in the '90s. The drama surrounding the All-Star point guard has been heating up, and now Ben’s decided to step up and hit back at those who’ve been throwing shade his way. Let’s break this down piece by piece, shall we?

Look, everyone knows Ben Simmons isn’t exactly the type to mince words. He’s known for his basketball prowess, but also for his no-nonsense attitude both on and off the court. So when Stephen A. Smith went viral with some fiery comments about Ben’s game, Simmons didn’t hesitate to fire back. In a world where NBA critics seem to have endless opinions, this was a moment where Ben said, “Enough is enough.”

Now, before we dive headfirst into the juicy details, let’s get one thing straight: this isn’t just about Ben Simmons. It’s about how the NBA community, players, and critics interact in today’s media-driven world. This story isn’t just about basketball—it’s about the power of words, the impact of social media, and the pressure athletes face from fans and analysts alike. So buckle up, because we’re about to unravel the drama behind Ben Simmons calling out his critics.

Who Exactly Is Ben Simmons?

Before we dive deeper into the beef between Ben and his critics, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane and introduce you to the man behind the mic-drop moments. Ben Simmons, born in Melbourne, Australia, on July 20, 1996, is one of the NBA’s most polarizing figures. Drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016, Ben quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the court. But let’s not forget, there’s more to him than just basketball stats.

Ben Simmons: A Quick Bio

Here’s a quick rundown of Ben’s background to give you some context:

Full Name	Benjamin Louis Francis Simmons
Date of Birth	July 20, 1996
Place of Birth	Melbourne, Australia
Height	6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
Weight	240 lbs (109 kg)
Position	Point Guard / Forward

From his days at LSU to his current status as a key player in the NBA, Ben’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. But let’s not forget, with greatness comes criticism, and Ben’s had his fair share of both.

Stephen A. Smith’s Viral Remarks

Now, let’s rewind a bit and talk about what sparked this whole firestorm. Stephen A. Smith, the outspoken ESPN analyst, dropped some serious comments about Ben Simmons that went viral in a hurry. In a segment on "First Take," Smith didn’t hold back, calling out Ben’s shooting struggles and questioning his leadership on the court.

Here’s the thing: Smith isn’t exactly shy about sharing his opinions, and his words carry weight because, well, he’s Stephen A. Smith. But when you’re an athlete like Ben Simmons, being publicly scrutinized by someone with such a massive platform can be tough. And that’s exactly what happened here.

Why Stephen A.’s Comments Hit Hard

Let’s break it down:

Stephen A. Smith has a massive audience, which amplifies his critiques.
His comments weren’t just about Ben’s game—they were personal, touching on his confidence and leadership.
For athletes, public criticism can be a double-edged sword. It can motivate them to improve, but it can also chip away at their mental game.

So when Ben heard what Smith had to say, it wasn’t just another opinion. It was a direct shot across his bow, and Ben wasn’t about to let it slide.

Ben Simmons Fires Back: 'Making S--t Up'

Alright, folks, this is the moment we’ve all been waiting for. When Ben Simmons called out his critics, he didn’t do it quietly. He dropped the mic with a phrase that’s been echoing across social media: “Making s--t up.”

Here’s the deal: Ben wasn’t just talking about Stephen A. Smith. He was addressing the entire ecosystem of NBA critics who, in his opinion, have been exaggerating his flaws and downplaying his strengths. It’s like he said, “Enough with the drama. Let’s focus on the facts.”

What Ben Really Said

Let’s take a closer look at Ben’s statement:

He accused critics of focusing too much on his shooting percentage while ignoring his other contributions to the game.
He emphasized that basketball isn’t just about scoring—it’s about defense, assists, and leadership.
He pointed out that critics often fail to acknowledge the pressure and expectations that come with being an NBA star.

Ben’s response wasn’t just a defense of his game—it was a defense of athletes everywhere who feel like they’re being unfairly judged by people who don’t fully understand the game.

The Pressure on Modern Athletes

Now, let’s zoom out for a second and talk about the bigger picture. Ben Simmons isn’t the first athlete to call out critics, and he won’t be the last. In today’s world, athletes face an unprecedented level of scrutiny, thanks to social media and 24/7 sports coverage.

Think about it: every game, every play, every tweet is dissected and analyzed by fans, analysts, and armchair quarterbacks alike. It’s a lot to handle, and it’s no wonder athletes like Ben feel the need to speak up.

How Social Media Amplifies Criticism

Social media has changed the game in more ways than one:

It gives fans a direct line to athletes, which can be both a blessing and a curse.
It allows critics to amplify their voices, sometimes without fully understanding the context of what they’re talking about.
It creates an environment where athletes are constantly in the spotlight, with little room for error.

For someone like Ben Simmons, who’s already under a microscope, social media can feel like a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s a way to connect with fans. On the other, it’s a platform where every misstep is magnified tenfold.

Ben Simmons' Contributions Beyond Scoring

Alright, let’s talk about what Ben Simmons brings to the table that sometimes gets overlooked. Sure, his shooting percentage might not be where some people want it to be, but that’s not the whole story. Ben’s game is about more than just putting points on the board.

Here’s a quick breakdown of his strengths:

Defense: Ben’s a lockdown defender who can guard multiple positions.
Passing: His vision and court awareness make him one of the best passers in the league.
Leadership: On and off the court, Ben’s presence is felt by his teammates.

So when critics focus solely on his shooting, they’re missing out on the bigger picture. Ben’s value to his team goes far beyond just scoring, and that’s something that needs to be acknowledged.

The Role of Critics in the NBA

Now, let’s talk about the critics themselves. Are they all bad? Not necessarily. Critics play an important role in the NBA ecosystem. They keep players and teams accountable, and they provide fans with analysis and insights that help them understand the game better.

But there’s a fine line between constructive criticism and tearing someone down for the sake of it. When critics cross that line, it can have real consequences for athletes like Ben Simmons.

When Criticism Goes Too Far

Here’s what happens when criticism gets out of hand:

It can affect an athlete’s mental health and confidence.
It can create unnecessary drama that distracts from the game itself.
It can perpetuate unfair stereotypes about certain players or teams.

So while criticism is a necessary part of sports, it’s important to remember that there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it.

What the Future Holds for Ben Simmons

Alright, let’s wrap things up by looking ahead. What does the future hold for Ben Simmons? Will he continue to be a dominant force in the NBA, or will the criticism weigh him down? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: Ben’s not about to back down.

He’s shown time and again that he’s willing to stand up for himself and his game, and that’s something that deserves respect. Whether you’re a fan of Ben’s or not, you have to admire his willingness to speak his mind in a world where athletes are often expected to stay silent.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, folks. Ben Simmons calls out NBA critics for making things up, and it’s a moment that’s resonating with athletes and fans alike. In a world where criticism runs rampant, it’s important to remember that there’s more to the story than what we see on TV or read online.

Conclusion

Let’s recap: Ben Simmons fired back at his critics, Stephen A. Smith’s comments went viral, and the NBA world is buzzing. But beyond the drama, there’s a bigger conversation happening about the role of critics and the pressure athletes face in today’s media landscape.

So what can you do? If you’re a fan, take a moment to appreciate the full scope of what athletes like Ben Simmons bring to the game. And if you’re an aspiring athlete, remember that criticism is part of the journey—but it doesn’t have to define you.

Now, it’s your turn. What do you think about Ben Simmons calling out his critics? Drop a comment below, share this article with your friends, and let’s keep the conversation going. Because at the end of the day, it’s all about the love of the game.