Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons was in a league of his own last season as a rookie, looking far more developed in his all-around game than his fellow rookies. While he had an extra year to develop due to a season-ending foot injury, the Sixers point forward thinks this roster can take yet another step forward, though it will all start with him.
“For me last season, I was trying to do what I was really good at – facilitating, getting guys involved, getting to the rim, and obviously making plays,” Simmons told Brian Seltzer of Sixers.com.
And when it comes to deploying some of his refined skills, Simmons thinks he’ll be putting them to use on a team that, in his eyes, can be “much better” than it was last year.
“I’ve had one year of playing in the NBA, so for me personally, I know I have a lot more to give. I know where I’m at physically with my body, and I’m maturing a lot more. I’m really excited to get back on the floor.”
Simmons will have to fine-tune the shooting aspects of his game, as NBA defenses have already game-planned how to collapse on the Sixers talent and limit his strengths.
“If you take [jump shots], [teams] give you a little bit more respect, and you’re able to make more moves and dissect the defense,” Simmons said. “This summer, I’ve been working a lot on certain things that I’ll definitely use.”
Much has been made of Simmons' awkward handedness, a lefty that finishes at the rim with his right, but takes the occasional left-handed jump shot, which often winds up as a brick.
The 6-foot-10 point guard took 11 treys last season, missing every one of them — a trait that must improve before he's made into a one-trick pony.
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