Ben Simmons is going to have a lot of pressure on his shoulders this season as the Brooklyn Nets look to transition from being underachievers to becoming NBA Champions. On paper, Simmons is the perfect defensive fit next to Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, but he will have to take on some offensive responsibility.
Every summer, we see videos of Ben with a smooth jumper, whether it’s him shooting threes or midranges. We rarely see that translate into the actual NBA court, creating a lot of chatter around Simmons’ ability and willingness to shoot. In his debut for the Nets, Simmons decided to try a midrange fadeaway to prove a point to his haters. Sadly, Simmons ended up proving a different point by completely air balling the attempt.
Ben Simmons with the turnaround fadeaway: pic.twitter.com/JbKEf9dqXF
— Kevin Kinkead (@Kevin_Kinkead) October 4, 2022
Summer work out videos tricked folks again
— Matt (@mattheck10) October 4, 2022
Definition of insanity
— Jon Johnson (@jonjohnsonwip) October 4, 2022
But… I saw him make this in a practice video. I don’t understand
— S.Quinn (@Quinn80S) October 4, 2022
https://twitter.com/95Sports/status/1577088238489325568
Give him some credit. It’s not easy missing open 12 footers.
— Sid MacLeod Сід Маклеод🦋  🇺🇸🇱🇹 (@sidmacleod) October 4, 2022
— InBradWeTrust (@toughseason) October 4, 2022
https://twitter.com/PhillyPhilly77/status/1577088225348587521https://twitter.com/Anthony60957284/status/1577089121881030656
He shoots and y’all make fun. He doesn’t and y’all make fun. Lol that’s why he just gotta play his game ain’t no making the haters happy
— Unkle Trey (@UnkleTrey) October 4, 2022
What’s encouraging in this clip is that Simmons willingly attempted a tough shot instead of just passing it out or driving to the rim. The game started with Ben missing 2 free throws, so his stroke on that front isn’t much improved either. Hopefully, Simmons will keep trying these attempts, as they will eventually start dropping.
What’s The Issue With Ben Simmons’ Shooting?
The mystery behind why Simmons is so unwilling to shoot the ball grows every season. His summer workout videos have him looking like a sniper that hasn’t implemented his shooting arsenal into the NBA game. There is a very real chance that Simmons doesn’t have a shooting arsenal to rely on inherently.
We have seen many offensively limited players be dominant in the league so this isn’t something that should hold Simmons back tremendously. He is still mobile and agile, which lets him take the ball to the rim very easily and often. If he can at least improve his free throw shooting, he is already a more reliable offensive option.
On the Nets, Simmons doesn’t need to be a scorer. His defensive attributes will make him a crucial part of the lineup, and his playmaking will serve both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant really well.
