After the Sixers’ Game 7 loss at home to the Hawks in the Eastern Conference semifinals, many wondered what happened to Ben Simmons?
The three-time All-Star was nonexistent at points in the series, managing just three shot attempts throughout the series’ fourth quarters. The 24-year-old passed up what appeared to be an open dunk opportunity when the 76ers were down by two points in the fourth quarter Sunday with 3:31 left
Simmons finished Game 7 with five points on four shots, eight rebounds, and 13 assists. According to ESPN, he went 15-for-45 on foul shots and 34.2 percent from the line during his playoff run. This marks the worst free throw percentage in the league’s history for a player that had at least 70 attempts.
As a result of his performance, many fans began to troll Simmons and the Sixers, questioning what would have happened if Markelle Fultz — the former No. 1 draft pick who Philadelphia traded in 2019 — was playing instead of Simmons.
Most felt that when it came down to it, Fultz would have risen to the occasion, or at least attempted more shots than Simmons.
Some fans noted that Simmons has not improved in the same ways that Fultz has. The 23-year-old Fultz was ragged on as a rookie for his weak free throws but has developed them dramatically since.
On Monday Morning, Fultz was trending on Twitter because so many fans were trolling Simmons. Soon after, the Orlando Magic, Fultz’s new team added to the discourse, posting a gif of the guard.
Fans loved the shade from the Magic, one fan referring to them as “petty Gods.” Another responded with a “Game of Thrones” reference, calling Fultz “The Prince that was Promised.”
However, some fans responded back to the Magic with jokes about their own weak record this season, which was 21-51, the third-worst in the league.