NBA News: Australians Not Happy With Disgruntled 76ers Star's Handling Of Career, Says Pundit

As Ben Simmons continues to sit out for the Philadelphia 76ers, the ire of fans is becoming more noticeable as the day goes by.

Ironically, it seems his followers over in Australia have experienced some change of heart when it comes to their reception of Simmons.

Australian sports pundit Mark Brandon pointed it out when he appeared on the Sports For All PH podcast.

Brandon stressed that part of it is because he passed up the chance to suit up for their Australian national team.

“I personally lost respect on him when he keeps pulling out of the Australian [national] team. So, we came fourth in the World Cup, which I think was in 2019. I don’t know if America sent their strongest team. He was in great form and I believe we could have won it,” Brandon stated.

“He [also] pulled out of the Olympics. The problem with that is it was his team because of injuries compared to money. And as Australians, we always root for the underdogs in whatever we do. Money to us is always second. But I totally get it. It’s his job, his livelihood."

The case of Simmons does not appear to be getting better in the NBA as well.

In the Sixers' game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, November 1, fans at the Wells Fargo Center could be heard chanting “We want Lillard” as Damian Lillard was shooting a pair of free throws in the first quarter of their match.

It is no secret that the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year wants out and is willing to sit out until that happens. However, it may take a while.

Sixers team president Daryl Morey made that clear and demanded a top-tier cager who can do something similar or better than Simmons.