Ben Simmons Joins ESPN’s Undisputed with Skip Bayless & Shannon Sharpe

Aired: November 8, 2016

Skip Bayless and Shannon Sharpe sit across from rookie sensation Ben Simmons in the Undisputed studio, fresh off his 41-point performance against the Indiana Pacers. Simmons, dressed in a simple hoodie and jeans, leans back in his chair, looking calm and composed. Skip, on the other hand, looks fired up.

Skip Bayless: Ben Simmons, welcome to the show. First off—congratulations. You’re six games into your NBA career, and you already look like a superstar. You just dropped 41 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds last night in a big win over Indiana. But let me ask you this—how sustainable is this? Are you really THIS good, or are you just riding some early-season hype?

Ben Simmons: I mean, Skip, I’ve always known what I’m capable of. This isn’t new to me—I’ve been putting in the work my whole life. My job is to go out there and impact the game in every way possible—scoring, passing, rebounding, defense. And yeah, I believe this is sustainable. I’m only gonna get better.

Shannon Sharpe: Come on now, Skip, the man is out here averaging damn near 35 points a game! Rookie? Naw, he playing like a veteran! Ben, walk me through your mindset—what’s clicking for you right now?

Ben Simmons: It’s all about confidence. My teammates trust me to run the offense, and Coach Clifford is letting me play my game. We’re playing fast, moving the ball, getting stops on defense. And for me, it’s about reading the game—seeing how the defense reacts and adjusting. If they sag off me, I attack. If they double me, I find the open guy. Simple as that.

Skip Bayless: Okay, okay, but let’s be real—last night, you shot 19-for-33. That’s solid. But against Philly, you went 15-for-40. You had a triple-double, yes, but you also fouled out and took a ton of bad shots. And let’s not ignore the elephant in the room—you’re still not a reliable jump shooter. Teams are eventually gonna force you to take those shots. What happens when they figure you out?

Ben Simmons: Skip, I hear all that. I know what people say about my shot, and look, I’m not gonna sit here and tell you I’m Steph Curry. But I get to my spots. I know how to score. I know how to impact the game. And I’ll tell you this—if teams wanna back off and let me come downhill with a full head of steam? Good luck.

Shannon Sharpe: That boy said GOOD LUCK! Skip, I don’t know what else you need to see! The man is 6’10”, got handles like a guard, passing like Magic, finishing like Bron! You still doubting?!

Skip Bayless: I’m just saying—let’s pump the brakes on the LeBron comparisons, Shannon! And let’s not pretend that the Hornets have been tested yet. I mean, Indiana? Brooklyn? Milwaukee? These are not the Golden State Warriors we’re talking about. Ben, what happens when you face an elite defense? What happens when you go up against the Cavaliers? Against LeBron?

Ben Simmons: Then I go out and play my game, Skip. I don’t fear anybody. I respect LeBron, I respect the top teams, but when I step on that court, I’m going at them. Simple as that.

Skip Bayless: Well, we’ll see about that. But I gotta ask—Charlotte wasn’t even in the conversation for a playoff run before this season. Now, people are talking about the Hornets like they’re a real threat. Can you guys actually contend in the East?

Ben Simmons: We’re taking it one game at a time. But I’ll tell you this—we’re not just here to play around. We’re here to win. Period.

Shannon Sharpe: Skip, I hope you listening, ‘cause this young man just told you everything you need to know! Ben, appreciate you coming on, man. Keep doing what you do, young fella!

Ben Simmons: Appreciate you guys. I’ll see you in the playoffs, Skip.

Skip scoffs as Shannon laughs and claps. Simmons leans back, smirking, as the show cuts to commercial.

Final Takeaway: Ben Simmons isn’t backing down from anyone. And if his first six games are any indication, the NBA might have a real problem on its hands.

Disclaimer:

This blog is a work of fiction and is intended for entertainment purposes only. It is a reimagining of the career of professional basketball player Ben Simmons and is not meant to represent real events, statements, or intentions. The story, characters, and events depicted are the product of creative speculation and are not endorsed, approved, or affiliated with Ben Simmons or any official NBA entity. Any similarities to actual events or individuals are purely coincidental.

Let me know if you want to tweak the tone (more casual, serious, funny, etc.) or include any extra context (like game mods, alternate timelines, etc.)!