The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Improvements Ben Simmons must make going into next season

By Rory Fette

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 16: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat in game two of round one of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ben Simmons
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 16: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat in game two of round one of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ben Simmons /
facebooktwitterreddit

Ben Simmons’ first year with the Philadelphia 76ers was spectacular. However going into his sophmore season, there are issues to his game that he needs to address this off season in order to truly make him a superstar player.

Ben Simmons’ rookie season was special. He averaged 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game, putting together triple-double totals that rivaled the great Magic Johnson. Here are ways he can build on that next season.

Jump shot/ Free throw shooting

This one is a no brainer, but it is also the component that is going to take the most patience. A jump shot isn’t going to develop overnight (especially with someone who may by shooting with the wrong hand).

Ben Simmons’ jump shot is something everyone will be looking at next year. He doesn’t need to be shooting threes when the season starts, but if he can just build on some of the promising step back mid-range jumpers he hit over the last season, he will silence the critics just fine.

More from Sixers News

As the year went on Simmons did seem to take more jump shots and along with that his free throw percentage went up. Continuing this progression will be vital to Simmons’ overall game, obviously.

A consistent jump shot will make defender stop backing off Simmons so much every time he has the ball. So this addition will not only help the outside portion of his game, but it will also create new lanes for him to drive into and showcase his special ability to finish on the inside.

Aggressiveness/Scoring

At times Ben Simmons seems to forget that he is a 6-10 athletic beast. This past year Simmons only averaged around five free throw attempts per game. Which is a crazy low amount considering he got intentionally fouled a lot in a couple of those games.

Simmons is a great passer but he looks to pass too much. Driving to the basket and looking for his own shot more could really benefit the team. With his size and athletic ability, he isn’t an easy person to guard for anyone in the league.

At the bare minimum he should be driving to the hoop more and getting more free throw attempts. And to go along with that, he might surprise himself how much he can actually score on other people if he just puts his head down and does it.

Next: 5 reasons Sixers should sign Paul George

The only thing that people would argue against Simmons on his low scoring numbers he would put up at times. He has shown as how he is a master at making plays for others. However now he needs to show us that he is a master at making plays for himself.