NFL
By: Edwin Duodu
NBA journalists didn’t advertise that Ben Simmons would come out of LSU and develop a consistent jumper, but it was still expected. Over the years, Simmons has carved out an excellent role as the “Point Forward” on the 76ers, grabbing rebounds and getting other teammates involved. We can’t forget his outstanding defensive ability, which led to him being a nominee for the Defensive Player of the Year award. However, his skill set has still left many pundits and fans in doubt of his ceiling as a player.
“Ben Simmons can be an Allstar, but that’s all he can be until he learns how to shoot,” NBA TNT analyst Charles Barkley stated after the game.
During his time as a Philadelphia 76ers player, it appears that Simmons has made no effort to improve his shooting ability. It’s evident in how teams choose to defend Simmons, which isn’t a difficult task if he doesn’t put fear into the hearts of defenders while around the three-point line. Take Lonzo Ball, for example.
It was apparent that Ball’s shooting form would hinder him from developing a consistent jump shot. Credit to Ball, as he worked during the off-season and found a form most suitable to him. The change in production was evident, as he boosted his three-point percentage from 30% in his rookie season to 37% last season. What’s also great to know is that Lonzo Ball has steadily improved every season since being in the NBA. Simmon’s numbers have hovered around the same mark, but that’s primarily because of his shot selection coming in the form of layups and hook shots. Some may argue, those types of shots are much easier to make.
This limitation makes Philadelphia one-dimensional as a unit. Ben Simmons also proves to be a liability late in games because of his problem with shooting free throws. Head coach Doc Rivers made it known that he couldn’t have Simmons in the closing minutes of a game if he couldn’t bury his free throws. Unfortunately, his production mustered out to shooting 34% in the playoffs this season. It also questions if he can be a starting point guard on a championship-ready team. In five seasons, it’s safe to say that the front office has its answer. The 76ers should trade Ben Simmons, and it needs to happen immediately.
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Ben Simmons took a combined three shots in the fourth quarter in seven games against the Atlanta Hawks. Being that he’s an All-Star, that is an alarming stat to read. Aside from being a horrendous shooter, Ben Simmons has appeared to have lost confidence in himself. With under four minutes to go in the fourth quarter, in an elimination game against the Hawks, Simmons opts to pass up a wide-open dunk to his teammate.
It was a crazy play and one that demonstrated how poorly he has been in the series. The public can criticize your inability to make a jumper, but they shouldn’t have to question your aggressiveness either. A total of three shots in the fourth quarter of seven games is nowhere near enough to give your team a chance to win the series if you’re considered one of the most important players.
This off-season, the Philadelphia 76ers have major questions to answer. Are they going to risk keeping Ben Simmons and essentially wasting whatever period they have with Joel Embiid to win a championship, or at least make a Finals appearance? If not, then the answer is simple. Trade Simmons for whatever compensation he’s worth at stage, and find yourself a point guard that can elevate this team to the next level.
During the trade deadline, the 76ers were close to sealing a deal that would ship Kyle Lowry to Philadelphia. The plans faltered, but Lowry is now a free agent, with the likes of Lonzo Ball and Dennis Schroder available this off-season as well. The team has options. Trading Simmons would take away from the rebounds, assists, and defense he brings to the team every night. But it would also give the organization a chance to sniff something they haven’t come close to achieving, the NBA championship.
