Nets’ Ben Simmons Says He Criticizes ‘F–ked With Me A Lot’ Filming | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats & Rumors

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Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons couldn’t ignore the constant talk about his jump shot while a member of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Simmons said on the latest episode of The Old Man & the Three podcast that the intense focus on his shoot ruined his head.

“I didn’t really realize it at the start of my career because it started piling up and I was like, ‘They’re saying I can’t. Shouldn’t I? I’m confused now’ he explained at 24:42. “…It fucked me up a lot. But I kind of found peace in a place where I’m just like fk, it’s basketball.”

The 6’11” point guard is a 56.0 percent shooter for his career, but more than half (54.2) of his attempts have come within a yard of the hoop, according to Basketball Reference, and he hits 59.7% of his free throws.

His inability to expand his lineup with the Sixers became almost inexplicable before things came to a head in the 2021 playoffs. open dunk at a critical moment in a loss to the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Simply telling the 26-year-old to shoot more isn’t the answer as the problem clearly goes beyond that.

Simmons told ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan in 2020 that he was working with a sports psychologist.

“I know it’s coming,” he said of improving as a shooter. “It’s a matter of being comfortable doing it. Part of it is getting the reps in. I can take an elbow hook because I’ve done it so many times; I’m convinced that It’ll be fine. It’s second nature.”

JJ Redick, who was a teammate with Simmons for two seasons, said in March on Pardon My Take that he thinks the three-time All-Star might be better off using his right hand as a strong hand.

PFT Commentator @PFTCommenter

JJ also thinks Ben Simmons is right-handed pic.twitter.com/8VCwIljiVa

At this point, getting around his limitations might be the best route for Simmons. The Nets can theoretically highlight his best skills while also hiding his glaring flaws.

Brooklyn retained Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, so the team doesn’t need Simmons to carry a heavy scoring load; instead, he can focus on his game. His perimeter defense is also a must, and his stock will climb significantly if he makes the Nets a first-half team defensively.

Simmons may never be a great or even a good shooter, but that shouldn’t stop him from being a valuable contributor to a contender.

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