Simmons’ road map to improving on historic rookie season with Sixers

PHILADELPHIA — After a dominant rookie-of-the-year campaign, Ben Simmons cemented himself as one of the brightest rising stars in the National Basketball Association. In just one year in the league, his skillset and limitations, and the expectations for his future, quickly came into focus.

There is no doubt that Simmons’ historic rookie season exceeded expectations. Coming off a redshirt season because of injury, it seemed he didn’t skip a beat, with his game translating almost seamlessly to the pro level. He posted a rookie-high 12 triple-doubles, the second-most ever by a rookie behind Oscar Robertson’s 26 in 1960-61.

Simmons quickly garnered comparisons to Magic Johnson and LeBron James. Opposing coaches had to find an efficient way to defend a six-foot-10 point guard who is lightning-quick and deadly when let loose in transition.

Coach Brett Brown said that Simmons has seemed more prepared and confident through training camp and the pre-season than he was heading into his first season, and both Brown and Simmons have said the goal is for Simmons to make an all-NBA defensive first team.

“This year he’s come back incredibly committed, like a real pro,” Brown said. “His spirit, his leadership, his attitude is different than it was last year.”

With more strength, maturity, and playing time, becoming one of the league’s elite defenders seems like an extremely reasonable goal for Simmons.

Despite the historic numbers and the accomplishments, the truth is there is room for improvement, and that’s a good thing.

No one is expecting Simmons to make a huge leap and revamp his game. He will likely look a lot like he did last season, but by adding to his low-post game, getting to the free-throw line, and continuing to work on his jumper, he’ll be well on his way to an even more illustrious career.

Posting up

Right now, Simmons’ half court game consists of using his size and speed to bulldoze through the defence and find his way to short runners, floaters, and at-rim buckets. That works really well for Simmons and he’s very good at it. There’s no reason to completely backpedal from that being the bread and butter of his game.

Developing more of a post game will open up more options for Simmons, and as a 6-10 guard there’s no reason for him not to exploit the defence and use some post moves to his advantage.

In order to capitalize on his time down low, Simmons needs to improve his finishing. Relying on his size while also improving his footwork when he’s in the post will give him great position. His first step on a defender is deceptively quick, so slight improvements with his touch will be a priority.

Getting to the line

This area of improvement is twofold: Simmons needs to take more free throws and increase his shooting percentage from the free-throw line.

Brown has made it clear that this is a necessity for Simmons. For a lengthy guard who has the ball in his hands as much as Simmons does and the attention that he demands from the defence, there’s no reason he can’t increase his free-throw attempts from the 4.2 that he averaged last season.

“Getting him to shoot six, seven, eight, nine free throws a game and then going there and improving from his percentage last year,” Brown said when asked what a realistic goal is for Simmons.

The jump shot

Simmons said himself that he won’t be chucking up threepointers any time soon, and that’s fine. He has plenty of time to develop a three-pointer.

But, there is no denying that an improved jumper and an outside shot will open up his game and benefit the Sixers.