Ben Simmons has been mocked numerous times for his lack of shooting skills. The former All-Star has a career free-throw percentage of just 56%. Even worse, his three-point percentage averages to 13.9%. NBA fans will be in awe of Simmons’ latest shooting development. A new video from the Brooklyn Nets training camp shows Simmons making 10 free throws in a row, per Brooklyn Netcast (h/t Erik Slater).
Ben Simmons kicking down 10/10 free throws in practice 🙌 pic.twitter.com/7DzyFmtSMe
— Brooklyn Netcast (@BrooklynNetcast) October 4, 2023
As a new season approaches, evidence reveals that Ben Simmons will take a leap Nets fans have never seen before. Keep reading for why Simmons is due for a breakout.
Brooklyn Nets: Ben Simmons Drops Jaws With New Free Throw Shooting Video
Simmons’ Coaches and Teammates Are Singing His Praises
Ben Simmons has been known to look very good (almost too good) in workout videos and practice runs. Many will argue this video is no different. In the past, Simmons shot jumpers in summer five-on-five games. Now, he knocks down free throws with ease. The difference is it is not just Simmons showcasing his skills. His coaches and teammates say he looks better as well.
Brooklyn Nets Head Coach Jacque Vaughn praised Simmons for his training camp play and explosiveness.
“What we’ve seen is his ability to push the basketball, to do it over and over again, play with an extreme amount of pace, get to the rim, play with force…So far, he’s had some really good days,” Vaughn said to Nets reporter Erik Slater.
It appears Simmons has taken a new form. Thus, if he can keep up the intensity, the Nets will exceed expectations this season. Clearly, his free throws have improved, but there is still one major question remaining.
Will Simmons Attempt More Threes This Season?
Ben Simmons has attempted 36 three-pointers in his career. Unsurprisingly, he’s only attempted two threes with the Brooklyn Nets. It is one thing for Simmons to miss threes, but not attempting them is what he gets criticized heavily for.
Many argue his lack of shooting is mostly a confidence issue. However, the reality is that Simmons’ 2022 back injury was more serious than people realized. The injury prevented him from moving the way he truly wanted to. As a result, his shooting was impacted.
Simmons appears to be fully healthy now. Despite the issues from the past, he is ready to progress his game and expand his range. Do not expect him to be Stephen Curry. Rather, view him as a Giannis Antetokounmpo prototype. The Brooklyn Nets will be happy if he becomes as dominant as either of those two players.
The Last Word on Ben Simmons Shooting the Basketball
The confidence Simmons has shown from training camp means Nets fans can expect an improvement in his free throws and possibly beyond. Simmons plans to be Brooklyn’s point guard, and he will have many weapons around him that can shoot the lights out. Sadly, the Nets lost the services of Seth Curry and Joe Harris, but they do have Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson. Indeed, if Simmons shoots more mid-range jumpers and threes, it will make Brooklyn’s offense more potent.
Regardless, Nets fans want a dominant Ben Simmons who is a lockdown defender, a premier playmaker, and a force inside. If he can at least produce similar numbers to his All-Star years, it will be a win for the Brooklyn Nets.
