Shaquille O’Neal Believes Ben Simmons Can Succeed Without a Jump Shot; Compares Own Poor Free-Throw Shooting
Follow Us
As each season passes, the emphasis on three-point shooting keeps going up in the NBA. In such times, it is surprising to see a player like 76ers’ star Ben Simmons thrive. In just his fourth season, Simmons has already gained an All-Star berth thrice. Despite all this success, many analysts believe he needs a jump shot to survive.
However, former NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal isn’t among them. Initially, he agreed that Simmons needs a jump shot, but then proceeded to talk about how Simmons is finding ways to dominate without that and praised him for that. He compared himself to Ben and talked about how he struggled with free-throws but ended up with four rings.
He said, “What do you do when you don’t have a jump shot in this league? You do something else. I can do other things. I’m averaging 16-8-8, I don’t need no jump shot. I want to be the best defensive player, I want to lead the league in deflections, I’m going to make you work.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“I didn’t make free throws, but I got four rings. It really don’t matter what you have and don’t have, you’ve got to do other things and do them well and that’s what Ben is doing right now.”
Can Ben Simmons find further success with this approach?
In just four seasons, not only has Simmons amassed three All-Star appearances but also a Rookie of the Year, an All-NBA appearance, and also an All-Defensive team appearance. That is surely an impressive resume for a 24-year-old. However, one question still remains.
Can help the 76ers win a ring with his skill set?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
Shaq Warns Lakers Locker Room Of Jeanie Buss Game Plan If Darvin Ham & Co Fail Vs Nuggets
April 24, 2024 09:42 PM EDT
Heat Injury Report: Latest On Jimmy Butler, Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson Ahead of Game 2 vs Celtics
April 24, 2024 02:46 PM EDT
“So Rigged”: All Hell Breaks Loose as Jamal Murray Forces LeBron James’ Lakers Into Bitter Embarrassment
April 23, 2024 06:21 AM EDT
Marcus Takes Eyes Away From GF Larsa Pippen to Acknowledge Father Michael Jordan’s Talladega Victory
April 22, 2024 09:33 PM EDT
What Happened to Kenny Smith’s Legs? Unfolding the Sad Truth Behind TNT Host’s Dodgy Knees
April 22, 2024 08:05 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Simmons is not a 20 points per game player, but that is often out of choice. His playstyle involves focusing more on playmaking and defense, but he has shown he can score when he wants. Against the Jazz, matched up against two-time DPOY Rudy Gobert, he scored a career-high 42 points and was a menace. Although they didn’t win, it proved he can drop 40 point games without shooting a three.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
These all just prove he can help any contending team to go all the way without being able to shoot threes. However, he should definitely work on his free throws. Being a liability at the charity stripe will just force teams to target him in the clutch. If he is able to do that, there is no doubt he will finish his career with a ring.
76ers’ Dwight Howard Believes Ben Simmons Can Match LeBron James’ Levels in the Future