The Impact Of Ben Simmons

It’s Still Basketball

Basketball has principals that govern it.  Shoot, dribble, pass, block, steal, rebound.  Master those techniques, and you can play in the NBA.

Simmons is already way ahead of the curve on most areas.  In his rookie season, his two areas to work on will be his defense and his shooting.   Brown has already mentioned shooting as an area of focus.   Eventually, we’ll see the rookie work on his perimeter game.

Simmons commands attention from the defense.  Not just in where he is, but in where he can go with the ball.   Spacing will become a priority for the team to ensure that Simmons has passing lanes.

However, even if the defense cheats, Simmons has the ability to make them pay.  Simmons can burn the defender who cheats by leaning his way.  All it will take is one lightning fast pass to the open man for the shot the defender was responsible to block.  All game long.

While Simmons will always be a threat to put up a triple double, many will expect that feat to happen the moment he steps onto the basketball court.  It may take awhile before it happens. That’s not to say that he isn’t doing his part, as his offense alone could easily average well over 15 points per game.  For the player who will be distributing the ball to open shooters, that’s a great rookie season.

His play will bring more rebounds, an area the team needs to improve this year.  Working the boards and playing alongside Dario Saric, the team could develop an excellent fast break transition game by mid season.

Next: Rising Tide