How Many More 3s does Ben Simmons NEED to Make This Season?
It was November 20th, 2019, the score read NY 11-PHI 7 at the 8:20 mark of the 1st quarter with 7 seconds left on the shot clock. At that very moment, Ben Simmons made his 1st career 3-pointer in a regular-season game.
Wells Fargo Center erupted and Sixers fans everywhere rejoiced at the sight of something most didn’t expect to see that night. Anticipation has once again reverted back to pre-opening night levels in the hopes that his recent 3pt attempt/make isn’t a fluke going forward. At this point, the reality is Ben has shown he’s capable of knocking it down from beyond the arc, and the team needs him to form a habit out of last game’s performance if the Sixers want to achieve their end goal this season (a title, need I say?).
The Old Ben Simmons Truthers’ Take: 0
For those who don’t think Ben needs to implement some range into his in-game performances the rest of this season, don’t expect a new Sixers banner in Wells Fargo Center anytime soon. Case and point: the last two Sixers’ seasons. This season certainly won’t be considered a success by any means if this team suffers another 2nd round exit out of the Eastern Conference. Frankly, it’s been downright unbearable to watch the Sixers of old struggle find an offensive rhythm in crunch time when it matters.
If the Sixers are going to be the elite squad out of the East, floor spacing will have to be different than last postseason. Up 1 with 31.2 seconds left in the game and 10 on the shot clock, Embiid commencing his dribbling from the top of the key with Ben idling around the post as practically a nonfactor CANNOT happen.
Ben Simmons has to make opposing defenders respect his jumper, and with 68 regular-season games left, he has the opportunity to do so.
According to Haters’ that Seemingly Hold Him to Steph Curry Standards: 100+
Ok, we’re now officially past the “Let me see it in a real game” era. Ben Simmons has been one of the more polarizing players in the NBA over the last few years. I’m not sure there’s really been any middle ground whatsoever; you either love him or hate on him. Coming off his first made field goal behind the arc, the newest, unfair takes will either be something along the lines of “That was a total fluke which didn’t even matter” or “Let me know when he hits as many as Aron Baynes.”
In reality, the only possible scenario where Ben Simmons hate significantly dissipates is if he somehow goes on to finish this season taking home regular season and Finals MVP after averaging an octuple double…oh wait. In all seriousness, it’ll take some time before Ben ever eclipses such a mark. Most people forget LeBron James made 63/217 3P for a 29% clip in his rookie season.
The Reasonable, Required Guesstimate: 40-60
Even if it’s just from the corner, a semi-consistent Ben Simmons 3-pointer is what this team desperately needs. You can never have enough shooting, especially considering what this current Sixers team hasn’t shown thus far. At 34.8% (18/30 teams) the Sixers aren’t shooting a terrible percentage beyond the arc, but they fall into the bottom third of the league in both makes and attempts. Moreover, with no starter above 35%, Ben concretely implementing another element to his game adds another facet to this starting 5.
With all five as legitimates threats beyond the arc, opposing defenses will be twisted into a Philly pretzel. However, the bigger difference the option of a Simmons’ 3pt shot provides is the ability to lift teammates out of potential struggles during any given stretch.
The more shooters the merrier, and by simply knocking down one every now and then, his lineup counterparts will benefit immensely.
Ben Simmons doesn’t need to transform into the next Kevin Durant. He needs to utilize the 25ft range in his offensive arsenal; doing so can play a large part in elevating this team to their desired destination: the NBA finals.
Featured Image: AP Photo/Matt Rourke
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