Mase calls out ‘Balenciaga Ben’ Simmons for failing to meet NBA expectations [VIDEO]
Mase Rips Into Ben Simmons’ NBA Career: ‘Balenciaga Ben’ Doesn’t Play Basketball Anymore
In a fiery exchange during the latest episode of their hit podcast It Is What It Is, Mase and Cam’ron didn’t hold back when addressing the tumultuous NBA career of Ben Simmons. As they shared their thoughts, it became evident that the former NBA All-Star has fallen short of the sky-high expectations once set for him. Simmons’ multiple injuries, mental health challenges, and his struggle to perform consistently on the court were dissected with brutal honesty by the two hip-hop icons turned sports commentators.
Mase Calls Out Ben Simmons’ Lack of Effort
When discussing Simmons’ standing in NBA history, Mase could barely contain his frustration. Despite Simmons being tied for 14th in all-time triple-doubles, Mase emphasized that fans and critics alike are tired of seeing him absent from the court. Simmons’ seemingly endless injury woes have overshadowed his once-promising talent. His transition from an elite player to one known more for fashion choices than basketball prowess was a focal point of the discussion.
“Right now, you’re Balenciaga Ben. Anything but basketball Ben,” Mase bluntly remarked. Thus, highlighting Simmons’ shift in focus from the game to his off-court appearances. This sparked a candid conversation about Simmons’ inability to live up to his potential, leaving fans and teammates disappointed time and time again.
“Potential Doesn’t Equal Performance”: Cam’ron’s Take on Ben Simmons
Cam’ron is never one to shy away from expressing his opinions. So, he also shared his thoughts on Simmons’ fall from grace. He noted that while Simmons was once heralded as the next big thing coming out of LSU, his reluctance to shoot and perform in critical playoff moments caused irreparable damage to his reputation.
“Ben Simmons coming out of LSU, you were supposed to be one of them dudes,” Cam’ron said, referencing Simmons’ early hype and how he has since become more of a liability for teams than an asset. According to Cam’ron, Simmons’ decision to leave Philadelphia after contentious circumstances was a turning point in his career. It’s a move that many believe led to his decline.
“Anything But Basketball Ben”
The nickname “Balenciaga Ben,” which Mase coined during the podcast, quickly went viral. It reflects the widespread sentiment that Simmons is now more focused on fashion than his basketball career. Both Mase and Cam’ron echoed that sentiment. Cam’ron humorously remarking that Simmons “dug himself into such a hole that nobody will ever give him a good contract again.”
Cam’ron also touched on how Simmons has become the butt of jokes within the league. He said that even the Australian national team reportedly opted to move forward without him. Despite his undeniable talent, Simmons’ lack of drive and questionable work ethic have made him a difficult player to trust, both on and off the court.
Fan Reactions to Mase and Cam’ron’s Critique
As the podcast episode circulated on social media, fans flooded the comment sections with their thoughts on the situation. Some echoed Mase’s disappointment. As a result, one fan commenting, “How does Ben Simmons manage to stay in the NBA while avoiding being a Washington Wizard?” Others praised the duo for keeping it real, calling them “the best duo in sports commentary.”
Mase and Cam’ron’s brutally honest take on Simmons’ career resonated with fans. Many have long been frustrated by his lackluster performance and perceived lack of commitment to the game. With Simmons continuing to struggle with injuries and inconsistency, it’s clear that the patience of both fans and commentators is wearing thin.
Deeper Analysis of Simmons’ Career
Ben Simmons entered the NBA as a highly-touted prospect after an impressive stint at LSU. After that, he was viewed as the future face of the Philadelphia 76ers. His rookie season was filled with high expectations. That said, he quickly established himself as a defensive stalwart and playmaker. As a result, he earned NBA All-Star honors multiple times. However, as his career progressed, Simmons’ weaknesses became evident. Most notably were his inability to develop a reliable jump shot and his mental struggles on the court. His Game 7 performance against the Atlanta Hawks during the 2021 playoffs, where he passed up an open dunk, became symbolic of his decline in confidence and play.
Simmons’ situation is reminiscent of players like Markelle Fultz. He was also a top pick but dealt with confidence and injury struggles early in his career. However, while Fultz slowly found his footing, Simmons’ reluctance to shoot or play aggressively has drawn more ire. Given the high expectations set for him, there was added pressure. Simmons’ decline is even more pronounced when compared to the trajectory of contemporaries like Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell. Both were drafted after him but have blossomed into franchise stars.
Exploration of Simmons’ Injury and Mental Health Issues
Simmons’ injury and mental health concerns have shaped public perception. Since his early struggles, Simmons has been criticized for “milking” injuries and not returning to the court when fans and media believed he was ready. The phrase “mental health” became a point of contention during his time in Philadelphia. Many wondered if his claims of mental strain were genuine or a tactic to force a trade. Mental health issues in sports are serious and need more attention. However, they often get dismissed when players do not perform to expectations. Unfortunately, this has been the case with Simmons.
In contrast, other athletes like Kevin Love and DeMar DeRozan have openly discussed their struggles with anxiety and depression. As a result, they have been praised for bringing awareness to mental health in sports. Simmons, however, faced significant backlash because of the context in which his mental health struggles were revealed — amidst his demand for a trade and declining performance. This has left Simmons in a precarious situation. Unfortunately, his image is more defined by controversy than basketball excellence.
The Road Ahead for Simmons: Can He Bounce Back?
Both Mase and Cam’ron expressed doubt that Simmons could ever regain his place as a top player in the league. However, they also acknowledged that at just 28 years old. So, there is still time for him to turn things around. However, Cam’ron was quick to note that Simmons will likely need to take a significant pay cut and prove himself over several seasons before any team is willing to invest in him again.
“He’s going to have to take the Brooklyn Nets to the Eastern Conference Semifinals to get another deal,” Cam’ron speculated, suggesting that only a deep playoff run could restore Simmons’ reputation. But for now, both hosts believe Simmons has a long road ahead of him. They believe it’s one filled with skepticism and doubt from those who once believed he was destined for greatness.
To reclaim his spot as a premier player, Simmons needs to work on his weaknesses. In particular, his shooting and confidence need improvement. It’s not too late for him to make a comeback. However, the NBA is filled with young, hungry players like Ja Morant and Anthony Edwards, who are more than ready to take his place.