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Ben Simmons hasn't played NBA basketball since the 2021 playoffs, but the former Philadelphia 76ers star is nearing a return to action following his trade to the Brooklyn Nets. While away from game action, Simmons claims to have been working on his craft and focusing on one key area of weakness from his game. Via Kristian Winfield, Simmons alleged that he's been “working non-stop” on his free-throw shooting during his hiatus from the Sixers. When asked if he noticed an improvement in his free-throw shooting, Simmons responded with a one-word answer, saying, “Definitely.”
Ben Simmons says he’s been nonstop working on his free throws during this break. I followed up and asked if he felt he improved his shooting at the line: “Definitely.”
— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) February 15, 2022
While NBA fans and media were questioning whether Simmons would play a single minute in the league this season, the 25-year-old was in the lab working to improve his game. Simmons is a notoriously poor shooter, so hearing that he's been looking to improve the fundamentals of his shot and work on his free-throw shooting is a great sign for the Nets.
Simmons has struggled from the charity stripe throughout his career, having knocked down just 59.7% of his shots from the free-throw line. While he's an elite playmaker, defender, and rebounder, his ability to shoot the ball has been his Achilles Heel in his NBA career. Simmons became infamous for his inability to shoot the 3, regularly passing up wide-open due to a lack of confidence in his outside shot.
While the Nets won't want Simmons taking shots anywhere near the 3-point line, it's certainly uplifting to think that he's been putting in the time to try to address his most glaring weakness ahead of his return to game action.
