Ben Simmons is back in the NBA after sitting out the entire 2025-26 season, and even before he steps onto the court for the Sacramento Kings, the criticism has already started. One of his longtime critics, Stephen A. Smith, did not hold back while discussing Simmons’ latest move.
Stephen A. Smith’s Latest Comments Regarding Ben Simmons
On a recent episode of First Take, Smith addressed the news that Simmons has agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Kings. At first, Smith appeared almost surprised that anyone would make a big deal out of the signing.
“What am I supposed to say? That I’m happy about it? I seen one of the great great talents; I’m talking about a dude at 6’10”, y’all, this is not an exaggeration. 6’10”; he was ambidextrous, the handle, the passing ability, the defensive prowess; this brother could do anything but shoot,” Smith said during the segment.
Smith pointed out that Simmons has continued to earn significant money throughout his time away from the game. In his view, the former All-Star has had no trouble collecting his checks despite spending long stretches away from the court.
“It made no sense whatsoever; it still makes no sense to me, but I do know this: he never missed picking up his check. He always made sure he got paid, always made sure he got his money,” Smith added.
Smith then took another shot at Simmons, suggesting that the $3.5 million deal should almost be looked at the other way around.
“Here’s my question: How come he isn’t paying Sacramento? He should be paying them to let him play. It should be in reverse; he should be the first player in the NBA that actually pays the team to let him play in an NBA uniform, considering the thievery he engaged in for a few years disguised as an NBA player, where he was scared of his own shadow but never scared to pick up the check to get the money,” Smith added further during the segment.
“[Ben Simmons] should be the first player in the NBA that actually pays the team to let him play in an NBA uniform.”@stephenasmith did NOT hold back on Ben Simmons’ return 😭 pic.twitter.com/hnTlF6leVS
— First Take (@FirstTake) September 4, 2026
The recent comments are hardly a surprise considering Smith’s history with Simmons. This is far from the first time the ESPN personality has gone after the veteran guard.
One of the most memorable incidents came in May 2023, when Simmons posted an Instagram story showing himself holding a glass of wine while the Philadelphia 76ers were going through a Game 7 playoff loss.
Smith was furious about the post and used his podcast to criticize Simmons, arguing that the timing came across as disrespectful to the team and its situation.
As for Simmons himself, his road back to the NBA hasn’t been easy. The three-time All-Star hasn’t played well since his brief run with the Los Angeles Clippers, who picked him up after the Brooklyn Nets waived him during the 2024-25 season. In 18 games with the Clippers, he averaged 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.
After that stint, Simmons chose to sit out the entire 2025-26 season. Years of nagging back and nerve problems had taken a toll on his body and his game.
He decided the smarter move was to step away and actually heal instead of forcing his way through another injury-riddled season. He even turned down a one-year minimum contract offer from the New York Knicks, preferring to stay unsigned rather than rush back before he was ready.
Simmons also found another passion during his time away. He became involved in professional fishing as a co-owner and angler with the South Florida Sails Angling Club. In May 2026, he was part of the team that won the Sport Fishing Championship Blue Marlin Open at Walker’s Cay in the Bahamas.
Now, basketball is calling again. Simmons has a new contract, a new team, and another opportunity to prove his critics wrong.
