Creek paddles Ben’s critics

‘Social media tore him a new a...hole’

AUSTRALIAN Boomer Mitch Creek has launched a spirited defence of Ben Simmons, labelling savage social media criticism of the NBA star for pulling out of next month’s exhibition games against United States and Canada as “disappointing”.

The South East Melbourne Phoenix’s marquee NBL signing said Simmons’ decision to withdraw from Australia’s World Cup warm-up games — including the clash against Team USA at Marvel Stadium on August 24 — was the right one.

“Social media absolutely tore him a new a...hole and for me it’s actually really disappointing to read those comments,” Creek said.

“He’s a young man; he’s not 28 years old with kids and a wife. And he’s playing at the absolute peak of his performance and he’s 23 and on a max contract.

“Everyone needs to relax and remember we should be praising him as he’s an Australian player representing our country with pride going out on social media saying: ‘ These are my teammates and my guys and I’m going to be a part of it when I can be.’

“But right now he has to be a part of a franchise that’s paying him max money to be the centrepiece of what is going to be an exciting year for them.”

Creek, who had NBA stints with Brooklyn and Minnesota last season, said Simmons had to be smart about what was in his best interests right now.

“Ben is a marquee player for the Philadelphia NBA franchise and he’s making hundreds of millions of dollars on a max contract,” Creek said.

“He’s not missing an Olympic Games to go on a holiday or do anything crazy, he’s simply making the best choice because he has a championship calibre team with him.

“And he’s the centre piece in which that team is built around.

“I absolutely back him 100 per cent.

“And I think he’s a phenomenal player and great off the court from everything I’ve heard about him.

“He wants to play for his country very badly but right now he has to make the smartest choice for his career and I think right now that is exactly what he’s doing.”