Ben Simmons has definitely caught the attention of Kobe Bryant. In fact, the former Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard sounded as though he’s been paying close attention to the Philadelphia 76ers rookie point guard all season long when he spoke about Simmons on Wednesday. While praising Simmons, Bryant also alluded to the extra year that the Sixers guard had to get accustomed to life in the NBA before actually playing in his first official regular season game in the pros, per Ryan Ward of ClutchPoints.
Kobe Bryant on Ben Simmons: "Now that he’s playing, I think the game’s in slow motion for him, which is different than most rookies. He’s had a chance to view it a lot." #76ers
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) April 11, 2018
Simmons sat out the entire 2016-17 season, his supposed rookie year, due to a broken foot, and is now taking the league by storm, wowing basketball fans and experts alike with this smooth game. And for Bryant, that has a lot to do with Simmons getting a full year of adjustment period in the NBA, albeit on the sidelines, before plunging into action.
Kobe Bryant on Ben Simmons: "Now that he’s playing, I think the game’s in slow motion for him, which is different than most rookies. He’s had a chance to view it a lot." #76ers
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) April 11, 2018
More from Kobe Bryant about Ben Simmons:
Kobe Bryant on Ben Simmons: "From a game perspective, his size gives him a clear advantage, his speed. He also knows how to use it. He knows his spots on the floor, he knows his strengths and weaknesses. He does a great job getting there." #76ers
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) April 11, 2018
Kobe Bryant on Ben Simmons: "I think his development will come in shooting obviously. At some point he’s got to be able to shoot that ball." #76ers
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) April 11, 2018
Kobe Bryant on Ben Simmons: "Jason Kidd, when he came in the league, wasn’t a great shooter, but he worked to the point where he became one of the best three-point shooters we’ve had in our league in history. That will be his next progression." #76ers
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) April 11, 2018
Clearly, Bryant understands that developing at least a decent perimeter game is not something that Simmons is going to accomplish overnight – or in basketball timeline, in a season. Simmons also knows this full well, which is why he barely takes a shot beyond the arc. So far in his young NBA career, Simmons has attempted fewer than 15 shots from deep with the vast majority of his field goal attempts taken in the shaded area.
Simmons lack of range is a glaring weakness in his game, but as what Bryant mentioned, that good stroke from the outside will come. Simmons is still only 21 after all.
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