Stephen A. Smith Refuses to Apologize After Calling NBA Star a ‘Thief’
As groups across the league tighten rotations and put together for the playoff push, conversations about capturing and spacing have as soon as once more taken middle stage. In a season outlined by perimeter effectivity and tempo, roster building issues greater than ever. That context fueled a fiery section this week on “ESPN’s First Take,” the place Stephen A. Smith delivered blister criticism of free agent Ben Simmons.
The No. 1 total decide within the 2016 NBA Draft final performed for the Los Angeles Clippers and is now evaluating his subsequent alternative. But it was Smith’s feedback and his refusal to stroll them again that dominated headlines.
commercial
“As long as ‘First Take’ is in existence, Ben Simmons will catch strays,” Smith stated. “I’m not apologizing to a damn soul. There is no bigger thief in the history of the NBA than that man.”
He escalated additional, including, “If Ben Simmons runs near a basketball arena, he should be arrested.”
Smith doubled down all through the section, increasing on his criticism of Simmons’ reluctance to shoot.
“We have never, ever, ever seen this,” Smith stated. “You talk about a dude that wouldn’t shoot the damn basketball. That’s the biggest thief.”
commercial
He continued by saying Simmons “made sure his check cleared twice a month in the NBA” whereas refusing to shoot, including, “If the man walked away from the game, that would be different.”
The remarks have been sharp, even by Smith’s requirements. Yet they replicate a long-running debate about Simmons’ offensive method in a league that more and more prioritizes capturing vary and flooring spacing.
Simmons entered the NBA with uncommon versatility. At 6-foot-10 with elite ball-handling and imaginative and prescient, he gained Rookie of the Year honors and earned three All-Star choices throughout his time with the Philadelphia 76ers.
commercial
Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25) towards the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center.
However, his profession 3-point quantity stays extraordinarily low, reinforcing the narrative critics typically spotlight. Simmons’ profession then took a number of turns. Back points and a holdout sidelined him for all the 2021-22 season.
In 2024-25, he cut up time between Brooklyn and the Clippers, taking part in 51 complete video games and averaging 5.0 factors, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 22.0 minutes per recreation. His profession averages of 13.1 factors, 7.4 rebounds and seven.2 assists over 383 video games nonetheless replicate his playmaking capacity, however his scoring output has declined considerably. And these numbers look even worse when contemplating Simmons has made about $200 million in profession earnings, in accordance with Spotrac.
commercial
In 18 video games with the Clippers, he averaged 2.9 factors in restricted minutes earlier than getting into free company.
Related: ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith Shares Personal Honor
This story was initially printed by Athlon Sports on Feb 17, 2026, the place it first appeared within the NBA part. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking right here.
