Philadelphia 76ers: The good, bad, ugly of Ben Simmons’ jump shot videos
What to make of the Philadelphia 76ers point guard and his unconventional jump shot.
In this week’s episode of Overreacting to Open Gym Footage, we’re going to discuss — and, I know, what are the odds — Ben Simmons. The Philadelphia 76ers‘ point guard is back at it, launching triples in doctored highlight videos like he’s Markelle Fultz.
First and foremost, basketball is a game. Fans are here to cheer on their team, set irrational expectations and enjoy the whirlwind of constant NBA activity. It’s the offseason and fans need something to digest. These videos are a palatable appetizer before the real games begin.
Since basketball is a game, getting worked up over positive reactions to a highlight video is a bit much. It’s good to see Simmons taking — and making — 3s. No his mechanics aren’t perfect, but honestly, who cares? It’s August.
https://twitter.com/swishcultures_/status/1164344820875194368
On a more serious note, there is a fine line between the giddy optimism of a fan and flat-out sensationalism. This video — which is not the first video of Ben shooting jumpers — does not indicate a massive overhaul in mechanics. Nor does it guarantee Simmons will have the same confidence in games.
Once next season hits, there are benefits to Simmons taking the occasional spot-up 3. If defenses have to think about Simmons on the 3-point line, it opens up driving lanes that might otherwise be unavailable.
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But to suggest Simmons will command significant defensive attention at the 3-point line is excessive. We have all seen Giannis Antetokounmpo launch slow, rickety 3s at a 25.6 percent clip. In all likelihood, he’s further along as a shooter than Simmons.
Until the 6-foot-10 point guard is consistently, fluidly hitting in-game 3s, NBA defenses will not respect Ben Simmons on the 3-point line. There is no additional benefit to him gliding into fadeaway mid-range jumpers. Those are bad shots almost universally. A fall-back 13-footer does not “space the floor.”
In an ideal world, Simmons is a legit spot-up threat in the corner and can hit pull-up jumpers in the pick-and-roll. Until those are proven staples in his game, however, Simmons remains a perimeter liability. Which is fine — he could peak right now and be a top-20 NBA player.
There are obvious, unavoidable flaws in Ben’s current mechanics. He squares up like a righty, then shoots lefty. It’s ugly, it has a clear hitch and it probably won’t work in live-action games when there’s any remote pressure.
Even if Simmons can hit open 3s on occasion, once defenders start putting a hand in his face, there’s not much hope. But that’s also half the battle. If defenders are putting a hand in Simmons’ face, he has an instant off-the-dribble advantage in most scenarios.
So there’s some good, some bad and some ugly. If you’re spewing negativity about a highlight video in August, it’s best to chillax. No, it’s not actively bad video. Simmons is not actively ruining his chances of perennial success.
It’s not great either. It’s not a positive indicator of future shooting success, nor does it guarantee any real, tangible growth over last season. We have seen Simmons hitting 3s since high school. These videos are, quite frankly, old news.
Just sit back, enjoy the thought of Simmons swishing a 35-footer, and wait for Oct. 23.
Next. How to maximize the Sixers' new additions on offense. dark
In next week’s episode of Overreacting to Open Gym Footage, we will discuss Devin Booker getting upset about a double team in open gym. (No we won’t)