The Drastic Steps Taken By Philadelphia 76ers Star Ben Simmons To Improve His 3-Point Shooting

The Philadelphia 76ers boast of a star-studded lineup for this year, even after the departure of Jimmy Butler and JJ Redick. It is a shame that the Sixers’ team last year did not make it to the conference finals, because exhibited great potential.

Now, the team rides on the back of Joel Embiid and the two-time All-Star, Ben Simmons. 

Simmons’ move from his traditional power-forward position to that of a point guard upon entering the NBA, came as a real challenge. There is no doubt that Simmons is loaded with talent and can perform his duties on the court. 

However, Simmons lacks a series of traits that a modern-day point guard may or dare we say, should possess. Keeping Steph Curry or Damian Lillard, who also are also PGs, in mind, their incredible three-point shooting is something that stands out.

Although Simmons can shoot, he naturally avoids shooting from beyond the arc. 

Simmons’ inability to sink three-pointers did not sit well with Sixers’ Coach, Brett Brown. And does very little to hide his desire, as far as wanting Simmons to shoot threes is concerned.

In fact, in his first two years in the NBA, Simmons made only 18 three-point attempts and converted none.

After Coach Brown asked Simmons to score at least one-three pointer in each game, the 24-year-old has scored a total of two three-pointers in about 33 games.

Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons agreed to consult a psychologist to mend his shooting 

While it comes as a surprise, it can’t be ignored at all. It really went to the point where Simmons had to consult a sports psychologist to work on his three-point shooting.

Jackie MacMullan of ESPN reported the news. Here is what she wrote: 

“Simmons agreed to work with a sports psychologist, while Sixers personnel, friends, and teammates have tried — and failed — to instill the necessary impudence to get him over the hump.”

Moreover, in the original article that ran on April 21, 2020, MacMullan carried quotes that Simmons made about improving his three-point range. The young star is under a lot of pressure and the same is rather obvious in his words.

“I know it’s going to come,” Simmons says. “It’s a matter of me being comfortable doing it. Some of that is getting the reps in. I can take a hook shot from the elbow because I’ve done it so many times, I’m confident it will go in. It’s second nature.

“Some people put so much emphasis on it. It’s a little too much. It made me backcheck and say, ‘Let me focus on what I’m good at.’ There are things I do on the court where nobody can stop me, when I’m putting up steals, assists, scoring in the paint.”

SOURCE: Ben Simmons hears the talk, but his process is not a public experiment  Ben Simmons agreed to see sports psychologist about 3-point shooting  Brett Brown makes it clear what he wants from Ben Simmons Basketball Reference