3 player with the most to prove to end the season: Ben Simmons
Yes, an NBA All-Star and front runner for the Defensive Player of the Year award is on this list. However, Ben Simmons‘ defense has no questions surrounding it, it’s his offense that has too many questions entering the playoffs.
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Most people reading this will probably be thinking that this slide will be focusing on his unwillingness to shoot a jump shot. That will not be the case, as it’s becoming clear he may never take a jump shot consistently.
It’s his lack of aggressiveness on offense. To begin the season, Simmons was attempts just 9.4 field goals per game in December and January. He averaged around 13 points per game in those two months.
He became more aggressive in February and March. In February, he averaged 13.2 shot attempts and 21.0 points per game. In March, he averaged 11.7 shots and 15.1 points per game. During April, Simmons has regressed as he’s only attempting 8.2 shots while scoring just 10.9 points.
The Sixers need Simmons to be aggressive or otherwise opposing defenses will use the guy guarding him to double-team Embiid during a playoff series. If that happens and the 76ers don’t make a deep run, then Philly might consider shopping him for a star who is a better fit next to their MVP caliber center.
Simmons needs to regain his aggression on offense or it will hurt the Sixers in the postseason and it might make the front office to considering trading him this season.
All three of these players have 15 games to fix the issues stopping them from playing to their full potential in the playoffs. If they can, then it certainly improves to the Philadelphia 76ers championship chances.