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‘Not Afraid to Be Humiliated’: Scottie Pippen Advises Ben Simmons to Follow in Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Footsteps
Scottie Pippen has been making a lot of appearances in the media lately, in light of his memoir coming out and because of all the controversial statements in it. Naturally, like everybody else, he too decided to chime in on the Ben Simmons discussion. However, unlike his recent comments about Michael Jordan, this one made a lot of sense as he compares Giannis Antetokounmpo and Simmons.
There is no doubt that Philadelphia 76ers’ fans treated Simmons horribly after his disappointing performances in the playoffs last season. This obviously would have made it extremely difficult for any player to stick around. But instead of running away, Simmons could have taken another route, the one that the Greek Freak has always gone for.
Ben Simmons should learn from Giannis Antetokounmpo
“Ben Simmons has to take a page out of [Giannis Antetokounmpo’s] book.”
Scottie Pippen shares how much he admires the Greek Freak for persevering through adversity.
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The 76ers point guard and Giannis Antetokounmpo have more in common than anyone would realize. Like Simmons, Giannis has been ridiculed for air-balling free throws, and even threes. What could be more humiliating? But the difference that separates the two, is that the Milwaukee Bucks star works on his craft.
In an interview, Scottie Pippen said, “I have always admired the way Giannis has played. The progress he made, year in and year out. And the fact that he is not afraid to be humiliated, that’s what makes him great… He hasn’t run away from anything. In fact, he has met with every challenge thrown at him.”
And then Pippen made a very valid point. “I hate to bring it up but Ben Simmons has to take a page out of his book. As dominant as he should be, he has to play that way. If he gets fouled, he has to keep putting himself in that position to overcome his fears. And that’s what he hasn’t done,” the Bulls legend explained.
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The 76ers guard needs to improve, no matter where he lands up
Jun 20, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) dribbles the ball against Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela (15) during the first quarter of game seven of the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The situation around Simmons continues to drag on. For now, he isn’t playing because of mental health issues, but Philly has continued to fine him for his absence. While all signs point towards a trade, the bigger issue is not the change of scenery, but his willingness to improve.
The 25-year-old has to stop blaming others for his humiliation alone. If he doesn’t figure out a way to work on his shortcomings, it will just be the same situation, only in a different team. Maybe learning a thing or two from Giannis will do him some good.
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