Things were different this time for NBA Fans as they praised Stephen A. Smith’s heated statement against Ben Simmons. In his recent episode of First Take, Smith was in fire when he claimed that Simmons is the “biggest thief in the history of the NBA” and that “[he] will catch strays” as long as Smith’s podcast goes on.
User @josh_4yng was in awe at Smith’s fierce words, writing, “Stephen A. didn’t just cook him, he served a 5-course meal with no leftovers. ‘Prison for theft’ is a Hall of Fame level roast.”
Meanwhile, user @JustRay122 remarked, “No appetizer lol.”
No appetizer lol
— Just Ray (@JustRay122) February 17, 2026
Either way, NBA Fans saw Smith cook the best cuisine, or trash-talk, this year.
The shades have been thrown, and NBA Fans are gonna make sure they’re joining in the fun. They all agree on one thing: Simmons, a player that has once been widely regarded as a prodigy, fell right off in just a short time.
“First time Stephen A. said something right,” one user wrote.
‘I always said he [Simmons] should get investigated because…he can keep getting…millions of dollars and NOT play is crazy,” one user remarked.
“Ben Simmons downfall has to be studied. Dude went from a baller to a scrub real quick,” one user posted.
“Yes do not hold back when it comes to Ben,” one user wrote.
NBA fans to this day won’t forget how Simmons was one of the most wasted potentials in league history. Entering the NBA with hype everywhere, he instantly delivered by winning ROTY and multiple All-Stars. However, out of nowhere, Simmons suddenly fell from grace, with Fans blaming lack of confidence and tragic playoff losses.
Either way, NBA Fans remain disappointed on the lost talent behind Simmons, so much that even someone like Smith call him a “thief” only because he stole his legacy away from the Fans.
NBA Fans believes Smith outdated on trashtalking Simmons
Almost all NBA Fans agree that Simmons is the biggest wasted star in modern NBA history. Still, they couldn’t help but also question why Smith even brought up Simmons’ name now.
User @_HNNDRX claims throwing shade at Simmons feels too old, jokingly writing, “2026 and we still talking about Ben Simmons.”
Meanwhile, user @ShayanM_Media believes Smith has no right in throwing shade to Simmons, posting, “Stephen A Smith averaged 1.5 points per game in college trying to call a multiple time all-star a bum.”
NBA Fans might agree to Smith saying facts about Simmons, but sometimes, Fans feel it’s the perfect example of a ‘wrong messenger, right message’ scenario. And wrong time too.
