Ben Simmons slid into Shaquille O’Neal’s DMs.
On a latest episode of his “Massive Podcast,” Shaq mentioned the estranged Sixers guard was mad about O’Neal’s newest feedback calling him a “crybaby” and messaged him on Twitter.
“He kinda bought in my DM and mentioned some issues, and I mentioned some issues again,” O’Neal informed co-hosts Nischelle Turner and Spice Adams.
When Turner requested what was mentioned between the previous LSU stars, O’Neal replied, “I don’t — I can’t try this” a number of occasions earlier than noting that Simmons “was mad” within the messages.
“All I mentioned is, ‘You’re leaving your man on the market, that you must play.’ That’s all I mentioned,” mentioned O’Neal, referring to fellow 76ers star Joel Embiid.
“He mentioned some issues, however I’m not going to elaborate on what he mentioned as a result of that’s not cool. He was mad. Yeah he was in all probability mad as a result of I’m his LSU brother. I’m nonetheless his brother.”
O’Neal was referencing his rant about Simmons on “Contained in the NBA” on TNT final Thursday.
The Lakers legend known as Simmons a “crybaby” final week, and mentioned he doesn’t “respect” him, whereas refusing to call the Australian All-Star. Shaq was evaluating Simmons to Embiid, who has carried the load in Philadelphia in Simmons’ absence.
Simmons has not performed a single recreation this season after he requested for a commerce within the offseason throughout a summer season holdout with the staff. He later skipped coaching camp and knowledgeable the Sixers that he didn't really feel mentally able to play.
The 31-20 Sixers are extra than simply surviving with out Simmons. Philadelphia entered Thursday in third place within the Japanese Convention, a recreation and a half behind the first-place Bulls, because of Embiid and the ever-improving play of Tyrese Maxey, Simmons’ substitute on the level.
The Cameroonian middle posted a double-double (27 factors, 14 rebounds) in a 106-103 loss to the Wizards on Wednesday and is enjoying at an MVP degree, averaging a career-high 29.1 factors with 10.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists.
Simmons’ rift with the staff started after the Sixers had been eradicated within the playoffs by the Hawks in seven video games final June. The purpose guard placed on a traditionally poor offensive efficiency and reportedly took subject with how Embiid and Sixers coach Doc Rivers dealt with questions on him after the collection.
On Tuesday, ESPN reported that Simmons watches each Sixers recreation and has been understanding privately on the staff’s apply facility in Camden, N.J. He reportedly attends staff shootarounds and movie periods to keep away from being fined, however isn’t able to return — at the least as a member of the 76ers.
All eyes are on Philadelphia because the commerce deadline approaches on Feb. 10.
The Sixers play the Mavericks in Dallas on Friday.
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