3 Players Who Handled Disgruntled Teams Worse Than Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons’ relationship with the Philadelphia 76ers seems to be deteriorating faster than anyone expected. While trading rumours have been around since their Round 2 loss against the Atlanta Hawks, the situation has come to a point where Simmons is refusing to play for the 76ers at all. Simmons has also refused to attend the training camp starting later this month, and will could also sit out the first game if necessary.

Now, while this seems to be a messy situation no one wanted, there have been similar (or worse) scenarios in the NBA. Let’s a talk a look at other NBA stars who dealt with teams they had an issue with – and if it lead to a trade later on.

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Ben Simmons’ predecessor: Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans

Probably a predictable one on the list, Anthony Davis‘ issues with the New Orleans Pelicans prior to his trade to the Los Angeles Lakers cannot be missed. Davis had gone public with his decision to leave the Pelicans, something which he was fined for. The rumours continued throught the season, with Davis going as far as to wearing a “That’s All Folks” shirt to their team’s last home game.

To this day, many fans continue to hate Davis for leaving like he did – especially after he joined the Lakers. While the boos might always continue, Davis admitted that he does not regret what he did, especially since he was honest about what he wants.

SHENZHEN, CHINA – OCTOBER 12: #3 Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers in action during a preseason game as part of 2019 NBA Global Games China at Shenzhen Universiade Center on October 12, 2019 in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China. (Photo by Stringer/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic

Another name on the list is Dwight Howard, who went back and forth with the Orlando Magic. Howard was never upfront about a decision, which kept NBA fans irritated. If that was not enough, Howard also tried to get their then coach, Stan Van Gundy, fired. Towards the end, the team agreed.

Jun 8, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Dwight Howard (39) reacts after scoring against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter in game two of the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Shaquille O’Neal and the Los Angeles Lakers

After Shaquille O’Neal’s three-peat with Kobe Bryant, the former lept to play with the Miami Heat. What makes it worse is the possibilities that both O’Neal and Bryant could have achieved together. Now, no one will never know. The two reportedly already had beef, which got worse after their 2004 NBA finals against the Detroit Pistons. The Lakers chose Bryant over Shaq – who went on to win two more titles with the Lakers.

MCDONOUGH, GEORGIA – APRIL 07: Shaquille O’Neal speaks during Pepsi Stronger Together and CTG Foundation Atlanta Law Enforcement Press Conference on April 07, 2021 in McDonough, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Pepsi Stronger Together)

READ MORE: “Why the F*ck”: Lakers Fans Frustrated After Team Linked With Another NBA Veteran

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