Philadelphia 76ers: 5 things to watch for in Blue x White scrimmage
4. Ben Simmons’ approach to scoring
“Shoot a three, coward!” has become a rallying cry for Celtics fans this summer. Simmons has already said he won’t be draining threes this season, but attempting the occasional long-range shot would be a step in the right direction.
He doesn’t have to shoot the lights out — it’s about making the defense think twice before driving the lane and surveying the court.
In a scrimmage game that holds no weight in the playoff race, Simmons has no real reason to avoid the three-point line. It’s a friendly environment with no rival fans. The summer is all about testing the limits and improving one’s game.
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If Simmons is afforded an open look from three-point range, he should take it. He should also be looking to take more mid-range jumpers, which is a more reasonable progression to expect this upcoming season.
Simmons has also been criticized for his limited aggressiveness in years past. He’s at his best when pushing the tempo and finding teammates, but he also needs to pressure defenses with his scoring.
In addition to adding a jump shot, he just needs to attack more often. Go to the rim, embrace contact and look for his own shot. We’ll see if any of that comes to fruition in the scrimmage.