Ben Simmons on his shooting: ‘I know it’s going to come’

Ben Simmons knows his reluctance to shoot will go away with time, as he just has to keep working on his jumper.

For Ben Simmons, whether he will ever shoot more is the sole question surrounding his game. Everything else — his passing, his defense, his driving ability — is at a top-tier level.

As a two-time All-Star, Simmons is being patient with his development. Per a story from ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan, Simmons is confident that his reluctance to shoot will eventually go away. This season Simmons made the first two 3-pointers of his career, tallying six total attempts.

“I know it’s going to come,” Simmons says, per MacMullan. “It’s a matter of me being comfortable doing it. Some of that is getting the reps in. I can take a hook shot from the elbow, because I’ve done it so many times, I’m confident it will go in. It’s second nature.”

Simmons is one of the best drivers in the game, as his quickness, size and athleticism allows him to take advantage of various matchups.

But since shooting from the perimeter hasn’t been a regular part of his game, he has to continue refining his jumper.

“With 3s, it’s never been like that,” Simmons said. “I’ve got to make it a point of emphasis. I could be one of those guys shooting 30% right now. But I’d rather be one of those guys shooting 40%.”

The one area where Simmons has shown he can shoot moderately well is the midpost. His size and strength allows him to work there, and he can create enough space to get a good shot.

Per MacMullan’s story, Simmons will also be ready to play if the NBA season returns. Simmons had been out with a lower back impingement before the season was suspended.

Simmons not shooting from the perimeter often will always be a question surrounding his game — at least until he begins shooting more. But at 23 years old and in his third season, Simmons has already cemented himself as a top 20 player. Still, elevating his shooting would catapult him into that top 10 player discussion.

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