In a new ESPN documentary, Ben Simmons opened up about his tumultuous exit from Philadelphia, calling former head coach Doc Rivers a “piece of shit” for throwing him under the bus. The Australian playmaker is now looking to revive his NBA career after signing with the Sacramento Kings.

Ben Simmons is preparing for a new chapter in his basketball career, but the difficult moments that shaped his time with the Philadelphia 76ers remain an important part of his story.

A new ESPN documentary, Being Ben, takes a closer look at the Australian-born player’s rise to NBA stardom, his struggles in Philadelphia, and his efforts to return to the top level of professional basketball.

Expletives used for Doc Rivers

One of the main subjects the documentary explores is Philadelphia’s heartbreaking loss to the Atlanta Hawks in Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals.

Simmons faced intense criticism after passing the ball instead of attempting an open dunk late in the game. The moment quickly became one of the most discussed plays of his career and intensified the pressure surrounding the young star.

“How did I feel? I was like, ‘What a piece of ‘shit,'” Simmons said in the documentary about his head coach at the time, Doc Rivers.

Simmons added: “When you have a relationship with somebody, and they have your back, I think certain things are supposed to be handled certain ways. But then you also gotta look at it from the side of ‘he’s got a job.’ You know, he’s making his money.”

“He ain’t trying to lose his job or anything like that. So, when times get tough, people start panicking. People throw people under the bus, and that’s just, it’s just what happened.”

Other topics of the documentary 

The documentary examines more than one controversial playoff moment. Simmons entered the NBA with enormous expectations after being selected first overall in the 2016 draft.

He went on to win Rookie of the Year and establish himself as an elite defender and playmaker. However, his limited outside shooting became a recurring concern throughout his time in Philadelphia.

Now, Simmons has another chance to rebuild his reputation after signing a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings in September 2026. His return gives him a chance to demonstrate that he can still contribute at the highest level.

Being Ben is scheduled to premiere on ESPN on October 18. Through interviews with Simmons, former coaches, teammates, and other basketball figures, the documentary aims to provide a deeper understanding of the experiences behind his career.

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