Ben has power to be a great

BEN Simmons’s brilliance has attracted widespread praise in his first three NBA seasons, but the whispers of doubt have been equally deafening.

Standing at 208cm and weighing 109kg complete with the ability to drive, defend, pass and make others look better, Simmons has been blessed by the hoops gods.

It is the type of transcendent talent that has helped the Melbourne-born star take home Rookie of the Year and All-Star honours.

For all his accolades, though, his shooting inefficiency, especially from range, has cast doubt over his ability to go from good to great.

It took him more than two NBA seasons to sink his first three, against New York in 2019, after previously going 0from-17 from beyond the arc.

His inability to produce a consistent shot has created questions over his ability to become a top-shelf NBA star.

The argument has been — how can Ben be considered as one of the best if he does not shoot the basketball?

These are legitimate concerns, but Simmons’ shift to power forward can silence the critics and cement his legacy.

Admittedly, he has only played three practice games in the new position, but he looked comfortable and competent.

Simmons was strong in Philadelphia’s opening scrimmage win over Memphis, finishing with a double-double and a successful three-point shot.

76ers coach, and Boomers mentor Brett Brown, has been constantly encouraging him to shoot the basketball.

Boomers legend Chris Anstey, who played for Dallas and Chicago in the NBA, is backing Simmons to get the job done.

“I think he is going to be great either way, it is just the difference between winning a championship,” Anstey said.

“Everyone knows Ben has got another level and it is tied to his ability to shoot, even from outside the paint.

“Ben has been working on it, and I imagine we will see him take more and more over time.”

I THINK HE IS GOING TO BE GREAT EITHER WAY, IT IS JUST THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WINNING A CHAMPIONSHIP.

CHRIS ANSTEY