The big concern surrounding Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons has been his lack of a jump shot. He has only made one 3-pointer on 19 attempts in his NBA career and it’s become frustrating for a lot of people to watch and talk about.
One train of thinking has been Simmons is needed to shoot more jumpers in order to deviate some of the double teams that teammate Joel Embiid receives every game. The more Simmons shoots, the fewer chances Embiid gets a double because a defender has to worry about him.
Coach Brett Brown sees some type of connection there, but not really:
In general, I’d say yes, but as it relates to the double teams, there is a little bit of a connection of the dots. I feel like where we’re getting, I think if you’re looking at the spacing and the running to the corners or to the dunker, I think they’re available shots that perhaps he should look at more. I think his ability to catch and attack is elite and so I see space. In general, I want him to shoot more.
Simmons will definitely have to eventually take jump shots with some type of regularity. It’s going to get to a point where, just like in the playoffs, teams are going to wall off his driving lanes and force him to shoot the ball. He has shown off some flashes of aggressiveness, but there are other times where he won’t take them. It is something that is worth keeping an eye on as the season progresses as it’s an important thing for this team to keep going.
The Sixers and the Sacramento Kings tipoff at 7:00 p.m. EST from the Wells Fargo Center. [lawrence-related id=20132,20119,20110]