76ers star Ben Simmons has been through the wringer over the past few months.
Since putting his shooting struggles on full display in the 2021 playoffs, Ben has been heavily criticized by the masses, with fans calling his work ethic and commitment to the team into question.
And while Ben has not yet been traded from Philly, former Sixers All-Star Theo Ratliff was quick to share his opinion on him, giving a rather blunt response when asked for his comments on the subject:
“I know they have always had a little competition. But, i think it’s more about Ben to me than anything. Because for you to be an All-Star, an MVP caliber player, all you have to do is develop a jumpshot. A 10 foot jumpshot.
When I played, we had Eric Snow who was considered not to be a shooter. But, he worked on his craft enough to where Eric took some of the biggest shots we had in the game and made him. I just don’t get him just refusing to actually shoot a 10-foot jumpshot.”
🔊 Ben Simmons is reportedly asking out of Philadelphia.
Former #76ers Center Theo Ratliff tells @talkhoops & @DarthAmin what the root of the issue is with Simmons and the Sixers. #HereTheyCome pic.twitter.com/KCcQ92FYqr
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) September 5, 2021
It might sound harsh, but there seems to be a consensus among experts that Simmons’ reluctance to score is a huge problem.
His own teammate, Joel Embiid, noted back in June that Ben’s lack of confidence cost his team the win in Game 7 of the Eastern Semis.
“I mean, I’ll be honest. I thought the turning point was when we — I don’t know how to say it — but I thought the turning point was just we had an open shot and we made one free throw and we missed the other and then they came down and scored…
We didn’t get a good possession on the other end and Trae came back and he made a 3 and then from there down four, it’s on me. I turned the ball over and tried to make something happen from the perimeter. But I thought that was the turning point.”
Simmons still has a lot to figure out if he is ever to realize his true potential as a player. Until he regains his confidence and develops some kind of consistent jumper, he will always be holding himself back.
At this point, all we can do is hope that he can overcome his demons.
