Stephen A. Smith Says 1 NBA Star Is Almost Comparable To Ben Simmons

Saying that Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers is having a difficult season is a bit of an understatement.

The truth is that Embiid has been consistently hurt and not able to help his team, who have suffered mightily because of his absences.

Things have gotten so bad for Embiid that he’s being compared to another oft-injured star: Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets.

Stephen A. Smith feels the comparison is appropriate and for reasons beyond how often Embiid gets hurt.

According to NBACentral, Smith said:

“Let me say this to Joel Embiid in all seriousness: You’re about a tad bit away from being compared to Ben Simmons. … You bring up the injuries and all of that stuff, I look at the disinterest on his face… the lack of enthusiasm.”

Stephen A. Smith says Joel Embiid is almost on the same level as Ben Simmons

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 17, 2024

Embiid has participated in only six games so far this season, averaging 20.3 points and 7.7 rebounds during those matches.

It’s been one thing after another for Embiid, whose previous season was also impaired because of injuries.

But Smith feels there is something else going on with the Sixers star and claims he is losing interest in the game.

This goes against Embiid’s public statements because he swears he is still committed to his team and being the best player possible.

But he is obviously not able to deliver the results he wants, and this brings up questions about his conditioning, his desire to play, and his future.

The 76ers are now the 12th team in the East with an 8-16 record.

They could claw and fight much higher, but that will be very challenging without a fully healthy Embiid.

Whether he’s truly hurt or checked out, something has to change with him, or else more people will be talking like Smith.

NEXT: Insider Reveals How Much Time Joel Embiid Will Miss With Injury