Shaquille O’Neal told Ben Simmons on “Man Up” after the Nets announced earlier this month that the three-time All-Star guard would not play again this season due to surgery to address lingering back pain. ”I told them to do it.
In the latest installment of his show, “Shaq’s Big Podcast” The Hall of Fame center didn’t hold back when discussing Simmons’ injury and contract situation in Brooklyn.
When co-host Adam Lefkow asked, “Which NBA player would you buy a ticket to see because it’s fun?” O’Neal answered, “Ben Simmons.”
“Because I want to know how I can make $80 million and play in 55 games. Tell me. I can play 55 games in three seasons and make $30 million, $40 million, and more, just by saying my back hurts. Tell me how to get $40 million. Let’s drink some icy hot. Man, wake up.”
O’Neal, the face of Icy Hot for more than 20 years, looked serious, but Lefkow and the show’s guest, former NBA player turned TNT analyst Jamal Crawford, laughed. Ta.
Simmons has played in just 15 games this season. Missed 38 consecutive games At one point, it was due to back issues and other minor injuries.
He underwent a microscopic partial discectomy to relieve nerve impingement in his lower back. Nets announced March 14th.
It was the 27-year-old Australian’s second back surgery in three years.
Jason Suzens/New York Post
Simmons has one year and about $40 million left on his contract, and the team announced that he is expected to make a full recovery by next season’s training camp.
Simmons, the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, has appeared in just 57 games since being acquired by the Nets in the blockbuster trade with Philadelphia for James Harden at the 2021-22 season deadline. .
Simmons underwent a microscopic discectomy to remove a small fragment of a herniated disc after the 2021-22 season.
After that, he appeared in only 42 games, but the 2022-23 season was suspended due to nerve compression in his lower back.
Simmons played in 15 games this season, averaging 6.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 5.7 assists.
O’Neal has criticized point guards on several occasions.
After a conflict with the Sixers, he called Simmons a “crybaby” and “soft” before being traded to the Nets.
Brooklyn (28-45) is 11th in the Eastern Conference and could be out of playoff contention if the postseason begins Friday.
