Ben Simmons is one of the brightest young stars in the NBA today. The Philadelphia 76ers phenom can do just about everything … except shoot.
In an interview with The Herald Sun, Kobe Bryant says Simmons needs to figure out that issue, or one day he'll regret it.
“He’s got to get a jump shot,’’ Bryant said.
“It sounds stupid and all that but I’m dead ass serious.
“Because if not, he will regret it when his career is over.’’
Ben Simmons has been nothing short of fantastic in his two NBA seasons in Philly. He won Rookie of the Year in 2017-18 and made his first All-Star appearance this season.
On the year, he's averaging 17.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game.
He has also made a total of zero career 3-pointers in the NBA. The 22-year-old is 0-for-15 from 3-point range in his career (0-for-4 this season). It's not only 3s, but he hesitates to take many shots outside of the paint.
This has led to opponents sagging way off Simmons and leaving him alone outside. Defenders will stand at the foul line, basically daring Simmons to take a 3 or even a long 2-point jumper. He rarely does, and when those rare occasions do come about, he never seems to capitalize.
Now, look at Simmons' overall numbers again. He does all that without a shot. He does that while defenses guard him knowing his only real move is to drive. If he could add a shot to his repertoire, it would make defenses revise their game plans and would make him that much more dangerous offensively.
Kobe Bryant isn't suggesting Ben Simmons try to turn himself into Stephen Curry. However, getting a passable jump shot would change the game for Simmons and the Sixers. It would be the thing that makes him a truly elite player in the NBA.
For now, we'll see if the Sixers can overcome the offensive limitations of Ben Simmons in the playoffs this season. That's something they couldn't do last year.
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