The 2022 NBA MVP race was closely contested between Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid , and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Each candidate presented compelling cases - Embiid led the league in scoring, Antetokounmpo topped the total rebounds chart while maintaining the second-highest scoring average (29.9 points per game), and the Joker dominated advanced metrics while leading in win shares, box plus/minus, and value over replacement player.
The tight competition left many voters uncertain. Stephen A. Smith , however, cast his vote for the Philadelphia 76ers center; interestingly, his decision wasn't solely influenced by Embiid's performance or leadership but by Ben Simmons . In his wild rant, the 56-year-old analyst not only called the Australian a 'zoolander' and 'male model' but gave additional sympathy points to Embiid on what player he had to deal with.
SAS's wild rant
The aftermath of the 2021 playoffs saw the Aussie guard face intense criticism for the 76ers' second-round exit at the hands of the Atlanta Hawks when he missed the open layup in the deciding game. As a result of the brutal annihilation he faced in the media circles and Sixers' fans, Ben decided to not represent the team. To make matters worse, a back injury further added to Simmons' problems.
However, in the 2018 ROY's absence, Embiid shouldered the responsibility for the Sixers and logged a league-best 30.6 points per game but a career-high 1.1 steals per game (at that point). Simply put, JoJo's effort saw the 76ers register a 12th-best defensive and offensive rating despite being the team with the least field goal and 3-point attempts.
Stephen A. acknowledged Embiid's MVP-worthy performance, even considering the mid-season addition of James Harden. However, while praising the Sixers center, the ESPN analyst unexpectedly shifted focus to Simmons, subjecting him to relentless mockery.
"You know who convinced me? Zoolander!" Smith said . "Why's a male model relevant to this conversation? Ben Simmons. You see the green outfit last night? You see the ice? You understand? Looking like a male model... that's who the hell Joel Embiid had to deal with. You quit on the team. You understand what I'm saying? Had mental issues. You're there, but you're not there. You don't want to play. Alright? Joel Embiid had to deal with that all year long. Not a dude that was injured, a dude that quit."
Related: John Stockton says neither Michael Jordan, LeBron James, nor Kobe Bryant are the GOAT: "Well, I wouldn't use those three"
Smith has been Simmons' biggest critic
People might have initially criticized Stephen A. for not understanding Ben Simmons' mental health struggles. However, that wasn't the end of Smith's bashing. Season after season, Aussie has been earning over $30 million but hasn't played in more than 60 games in two and a half seasons, with his averages dropping to 6.7 points per game. Smith even accused Ben of ' robbing money from NBA teams .'
It's safe to say that while Simmons might be seen as one of the most unreliable players to have such a lucrative contract, Smith doesn't hesitate to remind him of his failures.
Related: "You are repeatedly unavailable for the people who pay you" - Stephen A. Smith goes off on Kawhi Leonard for trying to play for Team USA
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