Stephen A. Smith Compares Joel Embiid to Ben Simmons Amid Sixers’ Struggles [Video]

The Philadelphia 76ers have had a tough start to the season. It has been injury-riddled, full of controversy, and inconsistencies. Sitting in 12th place in the Eastern Conference, the news did not get any better for the Sixers over the weekend. Rising rookie Jarred McCain is out indefinitely with a lateral meniscus tear in his left knee. It was also announced Saturday that star center Joel Embiid will be reevaluated in a week after suffering a sinus fracture—the third facial injury of his career.

McCain’s injury gives veteran guard Eric Gordon an opportunity to re-enter the rotation, as he started the season on a disappointing note. Embiid, meanwhile, missed the first nine games of the season with a left knee injury. He played three games consistently before swelling in his knee forced him to miss another seven. On Friday against the Indiana Pacers, the former MVP was struck in the face during the first half and did not return to the game.

Stephen A. Smith made an outlandish comparison on First Take this morning when discussing the Sixers’ struggles and whether the team should consider shutting Embiid down for the season.

“Let me say this in all seriousness, my brother, you’re about a tad bit away from being compared to Ben Simmons,” Smith said. “You bring up the injuries and all that stuff, I look at the disinterest on his face, and that was before it got cracked.”

The comparison seemed dramatic, considering we’re talking about a former league MVP just two years ago. Simmons’ production, in comparison, is not even in the same realm.

“Let me say this to Joel Embiid in all seriousness: You’re about a tad bit away from being compared to Ben Simmons. … You bring up the injuries and all of that stuff, I look at the disinterest on his face… the lack of enthusiasm.”

– Stephen A. Smithpic.twitter.com/s4tyDip8zV

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 17, 2024