Brattish Ben is being a bit like Bernie, says Aussie great
COMPARISONS of reluctant NBA guard Ben Simmons to Aussie tennis super brat Bernard Tomic are justified, according to Boomers legend Chris Anstey.
Dual Olympian and former NBA star Anstey said Simmons would live to regret his actions after he was thrown out of Philadelphia training and suspended amid his ugly trade standoff. Simmons was sent home from a session on Wednesday and will miss the Philadelphia’s seasonopener against New Orleans on Thursday because of “conduct detrimental to the team”, the Sixers said in a statement.
Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers tossed the Melbourne-born guard out when he refused to participate in a defensive drill.
ESPN NBA reporter Adrian Wojnarowski said via Twitter: “Simmons’ reluctance to physically and mentally engage with the Sixers since his return has been a consistent theme.”
Wojnarowski reported Simmons, 25, had racked up more than $1.87m in fines since preseason began because of his refusal to play games, join meetings or take part in practice.
Anstey is a big fan of Simmons and wants him to succeed, but believes his current actions are a bad look.
“The comparisons with (Nick) Kyrgios and Tomic that
I’ve heard, I guess they are fair,” Anstey said.
“But Kyrgios and Tomic aren’t letting anyone else down other than themselves.
“Ben is part of a team and an important part of one and his actions hurt.
“There are so many things that you have to do in life where you have to suck it up and say, ‘I’ll be my best at a time when I don’t want to be’. It is in Ben’s best interests to be at his best right now to increase his trade value.
“The 76ers aren’t going to pay him until he performs up to the standard that is expected.”
Rivers said he was left with no choice but to send Simmons home when he refused to partake in a defensive drill.
“I thought he was a distraction today,” Rivers said. “We told him to go home. Hopefully at some point (he’ll show a better attitude).”