Ben Simmons has been under the microscope in recent years, primarily due to his reluctance to shoot the ball. While Simmons remains an elite passer and defender, his hesitancy to score has become a glaring issue. Montrezl Harrell has called attention to this limitation, asserting that opposing teams do not fear guarding Simmons in pick-and-roll situations because they know he’s unlikely to shoot.
“Ben, no disrespect to nobody…we ain’t even picking him up full court.”
“We gonna let him go ahead and bring it up across half, and then whatever you do from there you gonna make yourself smaller because nine times out of ten you ain’t gonna really shoot the ball, like you just trying to facilitate it. You trying to pass the ball 85 to 90 percent of the time you got it.”
Harrell’s candid assessment highlights a concerning trend in Simmons’ game. Early in his career, Simmons dazzled with his unique skill set, but his shooting deficiencies, particularly in high-pressure situations, have eroded his confidence. As Harrell pointed out, this has led to opponents defending Simmons differently, often sticking a guard on him rather than a forward because they anticipate him passing the ball 90% of the time.
While Simmons remains effective when attacking the rim, the lack of a consistent jump shot has made him less of a scoring threat. He is averaging only 6.7 field goal attempts per game this season, a significant drop from his rookie year, when he averaged 12.3 shots per game. Despite a respectable 8.3 points per game, Simmons’ reticence to shoot consistently has made him a less potent offensive weapon. He has yet to attempt a three-point shot this season, while his overall shooting percentage is at 60%.
Harrell’s assertion is a wake-up call for Simmons and the Brooklyn Nets. To fulfill their true potential, Simmons needs to become a more well-rounded offensive player by developing his scoring ability and, more importantly, his confidence in taking shots when the opportunity arises.
Ben Simmons Has Had A Decent Start To The Season
Ben Simmons has shown promise at the beginning of this season, particularly in the areas where he has excelled historically. With averages of 8.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game, his ability to impact multiple facets of the game remains evident. Simmons’ skills as a playmaker and defender have never been in question, and he continues to be a valuable asset in these areas.
However, the key concern lies in Simmons’ hesitancy to be more aggressive offensively, particularly with his shooting. To unlock his full potential and maximize the Brooklyn Nets’ offensive capabilities, Simmons must become a greater scoring threat. While his statistics may suggest a well-rounded game, his passivity when it comes to taking shots limits his impact.
Teams currently do not respect Simmons’ shooting ability, allowing them to focus their defensive efforts elsewhere. To counter this, Simmons must be more assertive, even if it means taking three-point shots. Even modest success from beyond the arc could force defenders to guard him more closely, creating space for his teammates.
The Brooklyn Nets need Simmons to step into a more prominent scoring role to ensure they aren’t playing 4v5 on offense. A more aggressive approach from Simmons will not only benefit him but also elevate the Nets’ overall offensive performance.
Ben Simmons Can Lead The Team Defensively
Ben Simmons has long been renowned as one of the premier defensive talents in the NBA, particularly in the realm of perimeter defense. His extraordinary defensive skills have earned him recognition as one of the best defenders in the league. Despite not having claimed a Defensive Player of the Year award yet, he has consistently been in the conversation due to his exceptional defensive prowess.
While Simmons works on refining his offensive game, he remains a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end. His unique versatility allows him to guard players in multiple positions, from point guards to centers, without significant issues. This flexibility can be a game-changer for the Brooklyn Nets.
Simmons’ ability to lock down opposing players, combined with the Nets’ arsenal of shooters and switchable defenders, offers immense potential for the team defensively. With Simmons at the helm, the Nets have the opportunity to become a formidable defensive unit, capable of shutting down opponents and creating turnovers.
For the Nets to reach their true potential, Ben Simmons can undoubtedly lead the charge defensively. If he locks in and embraces this role, the team’s defensive capabilities could make them an even more formidable threat in the league.
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