Ben Simmons admits he’s built a ‘tough skin’ because criticism ‘doesn’t f***ing stop’

Ben Simmons has responded to the recent criticism he’s faced, following a video that saw him airball a jump shot during the Brooklyn Nets’ Practice in the Park.

‘It finds me all the time,’ Simmons told ESPN prior to Wednesday’s preseason game against the Milwaukee Bucks. ‘And it doesn’t f***ing stop. Sometimes I’m even sick of it, but then I’m like, “OK, I’m Ben Simmons, you know? It comes with being Ben Simmons right now.”‘ 

Simmons is no stranger to criticism and has received more than his fair share of it between his time in both Philadelphia and Brooklyn.

Ben Simmons appeared in good spirits at Brooklyn Nets’ Practice in the Park event on Sunday

Simmons infuriated Sixers fans with his inability and unwillingness to take outside shots

‘Even the other day there was a clip of me airballing a shot at the park. Meanwhile, like 10 guys airballed multiple shots. So it’s like people will find one clip and try to make it that everything — like Ben can’t do [this or that].’

Most of the criticism around Simmons tends to relate back to the inability and unwillingness to shoot from outside of the paint. 

‘Like come on man, you think I’m just airballing every shot? It’s not true. But it comes with it, and you got to have tough skin and I realize that, but nah, I can’t take everything personally. It’s social media,’ he continued.

Simmons was in action for the Nets Wednesday and impressed in 107-97 win Wednesday night

Simmons was traded to Brooklyn last February after requesting a trade away from the 76ers, after citing concerns over his mental health as his reason for wanting to leave Philadelphia. 

After the trade he did not suit up for the Nets due to a back injury.

The fact that he has not played in an NBA game in almost a year and a half has only seemed to make his critics even louder.

The 26-year-old Australian further stated that he has leaned on his all-star teammates Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

‘Me and Ky literally were just talking about it before practice,’ Simmons said. ‘He’s like “Why is everybody on our heads?” But it comes with it. F***, we’re interesting people, I guess. Some guys you wouldn’t talk about because you just don’t care.’

When giving his explanation as to why he believes he deals with so much criticism from fans saying: ‘Because people know what I can do, what I’m capable of. I believe that’s what it is. Like if I was somebody that wasn’t capable of doing certain things, I don’t think people would be on my ass as much. And I don’t mind it because it kind of motivates me in a way.

‘Obviously, sometimes it’s a lot for anybody to deal with that, but I look at it a little bit like a respect thing, in a way.’

Simmons was in action for the Nets Wednesday night and impressed in their 107-97 win over the Bucks ahead of the season start. 

Kyrie Irving (center) talks to guard Simmons (left) and forward Kevin Durant (7) during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat at Barclays Center