Big Ben’s 76ers plans are three and clear
BEN Simmons says if he’s open for a three-point shot, “I’ll take it.”
The Philadelphia 76ers’ star guard has long been downgraded for his reluctance to shoot the long ball.
He has 17 threes – almost all meaningless Hail Mary’s – in his two seasons with the Sixers and his poor outside shooting has been the only thing holding him back from becoming one of the top stars in the NBA.
“It just changes the dynamic of the game and the way guys have to guard you,” Simmons said when discussing what becoming an offensive threat away from the basket will mean for the 76ers.
“Once I get into rhythm and feel comfortable, I think it will change a lot of things.”
Coach Brett Brown said he plans to place Simmons in corners for open shots rather than under the basket where he masked the Australian’s unwillingness to shoot.
Simmons was a late withdrawal from Australia’s recent World Cup campaign when he chose to return to the US to prepare for the 76ers.
“I think it was really taking charge and saying you know, this is what I need,” Simmons, said of his off-season plans.
“I need x, y, z, I need this guy, I need this, I need this in place.”
He said he was dealing with “too many outside noises” and “was just too worried about what people were saying”, but now only listens to the advice from his inner circle.
But Simmons, the No.1 draft pick in the 2016 draft, said he doesn’t need threes to become one of the stars in the game.
“I think I’m an elite player,” he said. “I’m elite at what I do and what I did last season.”
The 23-year-old signed a $170 million, five-year contract extension in the off-season.