Ben Simmons made his first career 3-pointer on Wednesday against the New York Knicks, garnering an NBA-wide ovation after going 0-for-17 in his previous attempts in the last two seasons.
Teammate Al Horford, hype aside, looked at the potential of having another capable shooter on the floor could open up for his Philadelphia 76ers:
“I think it will open things up even more and will make us more dangerous because teams won’t be able to help as much and clog the lane,” Horford said after Thursday’s practice, according to Marc Narducci of The Philadelphia Inquirer. “I was just happy to see Ben [make one]. He has been doing it every day in practice.”
Simmons had been reportedly practicing his shot all summer long, with plenty of videos showcasing his improved rate, yet he was a mere 1-of-1 from deep in the preseason, the only make coming in a 58-point rout of Guangdong.
Much like the preseason, it took Simmons 12 games to tee up his first 3-pointer, and while it connected, many were hoping to see him look for his shot, rather than just take it when he absolutely has to.
Legends like Magic Johnson worried Simmons is too afraid to miss, while Sixers icon Julius Erving wasn't worried about Simmons finding his shot, considering the arsenal of other skills he has at his disposal.
Horford knows the Sixers could use another capable shooter on the floor, if even just to open up the space for others to make 3-pointers.
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