Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons has been savaged by NBA sports analyst Stephen A. Smith for 'stealing money' as the controversial guard battles through his first full season with the Brooklyn Nets.

The former No. 1 draft pick is averaging just 7.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game this season, despite pocketing $35.4million for his efforts.

Simmons, 26,  was ejected in the third quarter in his side's 117-112 loss to the Phoenix Suns after a lacklustre game.

'Ben Simmons, it's a sad situation,' Smith said on ESPN's NBA Countdown. 'And I don't mean this literally, because obviously he's not doing it, but one would say, he is stealing money.'

'Ben Simmons got ejected last night on purpose,' Smith said. 'He didn't want to play.'

Fellow analyst Jalen Rose agreed with Smith's assessment of the 26-year-old.

'Ben Simmons is stealing money. Ski mask and gloves, as a matter of fact,' Rose added. 

Simmons has struggled to find a consistent rhythm this season and has been troubled by various injuries that have seen him sit out numerous games.

The Aussie was traded to Brooklyn last February after requesting a trade away from the 76ers, after citing concerns over his mental health as his reason for wanting to leave Philadelphia.

Brooklyn Nets coach Jacque Vaughn stated exactly what he wanted from Simmons after he was ejected against the Suns.

'We need him to be productive, and that is without the fouls,' he said.

'That is helping us rebound the basketball. That is playing with poise and composure. That is pushing the pace for us. So unfortunately when you're a really good basketball player, your list is long and so are the responsibilities.

'And hopefully, we'll continue to ask of those things and challenge him and challenge this group to be able to answer those long lists.'