Rich Paul Questions His Client Ben Simmons' Love For The Game

For a long time, Ben Simmons' love for the game of basketball has been called into question. It hits differently, though, when it's his agent doing the questioning.

Speaking on the "Game Over" podcast, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul had some unflattering things to say about Simmons' passion for the sport. Notably, Paul hinted that the 6-foot-10 Australian star had different priorities when he got to the NBA.

"Everything that Ben wanted to happen for Ben happened for Ben," Paul pointed out. "He was the number one pick in the draft. He was the Rookie of the Year, a perennial All-Star, All-NBA. And he got the max contract."

According to Paul, Simmons' response to reaping these achievements did not bode well for his growth as a player. "Either you love what the game brings you, or you love the game."

While Simmons' NBA career certainly brought honors and riches, his professional trajectory over the past few years has been a major red flag. After the Philadelphia 76ers lost in the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals, a series in which Simmons infamously hesitated to shoot in clutch situations, the three-time All-Star sat out the entirety of the next season.

The messy situation involved the Sixers imposing hefty fines on Simmons, who was ultimately traded to the Brooklyn Nets midway through the 2022–23 season. Over the next two years, Simmons would see his playing time and hardcourt performance decline even further.

The last time that NBA fans caught a whiff of Simmons, he was suiting up for the Los Angeles Clippers, who fielded him for just 18 games in the 2024–25 campaign. This season, Simmons has not seen action in the NBA, as no team has signed him.

While injuries have certainly played a role in derailing Simmons' career, Paul highlighted his attitude towards the sport. "Some guys get up that mountain...and they're like, I got up here. Now I'll go back down," Paul said. "Some guys get there and say, I want to go higher."

At the moment, Simmons is nowhere near the summit of the league that had once provided an avenue for his impeccable court vision and long-limbed defense. The claim that he has no passion for basketball certainly stings, but if there's anyone who knows Simmons well, it's his agent.