Shaquille O’Neal on why he feels sorry for Ben Simmons and is certain Australia will host NBA game

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal believes Aussie star Ben Simmons is suffering because he can’t take the harsh criticism that comes with playing in the world’s toughest basketball league.

O’Neal said he feels for the former No.1 draft pick because he’s not fulfilling his huge potential – and stressed the 26-year-old is the only person who can get his career back on the rails.

‘He’s a fine player and I can remember a time when he was heralded to be the next LeBron James,’ the four-time NBA champion said.

‘This is a tough sport we play … a lot of people can take criticism, a lot of people can’t.

O’Neal said Simmons needs to toughen up and take criticism if he’s to realise the huge potential that made him the NBA’s No.1 draft pick

The immensely talented Aussie has come in for heavy criticism over his messy split from the Philadelphia 76ers and rocky start to his time with the Brooklyn Nets

‘He’s had personal problems but I want him to succeed and I feel as an elder statesman it’s my job.

‘I know what it takes to get to the top, top level and that guy knows what it takes to be great.’

Simmons’ messy exit from the Philadelphia 76ers has left a bad taste in fans’ mouths and seen him get slammed for not living up to the hype that surrounded him when the team drafted him with the top pick in 2016.

Following the 76ers exit from the 2021 playoffs Simmons requested a trade and refused to play for the 76ers in the 2021-22 season, citing mental health concerns.

Philadelphia sent him to Brooklyn in February in a trade deadline deal for James Harden, but Simmons began to experience back pain soon after while trying to work his way back into shape.

O’Neal – seen here playing for the Los Angeles Lakers in 1997 – believes Simmons has the talent to be the ‘next LeBron’ but has suffered ‘personal problems’

NBA fans and experts lashed out at Simmons for failing to play a single game last season – especially when the Nets badly needed him during their 4-0 playoff series loss to Boston

The Australian All-Star was widely criticised for not playing a single game last season, particularly during the Nets’ 4-0 first-round playoff series loss to Boston.

O’Neal also promised he would do his level best to make sure Australia hosts an NBA game as soon as possible – a first for the country that he said is sure to happen.

‘If I was in charge [of the NBA] I would go to a different country every year and I’m sure it’s in the works for Australia,’ he told the Herald Sun.

‘I will ask him [NBA Commissioner Adam Silver] about Australia … it will get done. I know it will.’

The 216cm, 147kg legend turned pundit is currently in Australia to hold live DJ gigs and question and answer sessions with fans.

He previously toured the country with the hip-hop group Fu-Schnickens in the early 1990s, when they opened for Ice Cube on the superstar rapper’s tour.