No, Ben Simmons was generally not considered a good shooter throughout his NBA career. While his overall field goal percentage might appear respectable on the surface, a deeper look into his shot selection and free throw performance reveals significant limitations in his shooting ability, particularly from outside the paint.
Understanding Ben Simmons' Shooting Profile
Ben Simmons, primarily known as a 6'11" playmaker and defender, displayed a unique offensive game heavily reliant on his athleticism, passing, and ability to finish around the rim. However, his reluctance and inefficiency in shooting from mid-range and beyond the arc were consistent aspects of his game, often leading to defensive strategies that dared him to shoot.
Key Shooting Statistics
To accurately assess Ben Simmons' shooting, it's crucial to examine where his shots originated and how effectively he converted different types of attempts.
| Shooting Metric | Ben Simmons' Career Performance | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Career Field Goal % | 56.0% | This percentage is primarily boosted by a high volume of close-range attempts. |
| Attempts within 3 feet | 54.2% of total attempts | More than half of his career shot attempts came from very close to the basket, indicating a strong preference for high-percentage shots at the rim. |
| Free Throw % | 59.7% | This is considered a poor percentage for an NBA player, especially for a primary ball-handler. |
As the table illustrates, while his overall field goal percentage is above average, it's largely misleading regarding his shooting prowess. His high percentage is a direct result of his dominant share of attempts coming from very close to the basket, where conversion rates are naturally higher for any player.
Impact on Offensive Game
Simmons' shooting struggles had a significant impact on his team's offensive spacing and strategy:
- Lack of Floor Spacing: Defenders could sag off Simmons when he was outside the paint, making it harder for his teammates to drive to the basket or operate in the interior.
- "Hack-a-Ben" Strategy: Opposing teams often intentionally fouled Simmons, especially in crucial moments, knowing his poor free-throw percentage made him a less reliable scorer from the line.
- Limited Offensive Versatility: His inability to consistently knock down jump shots, particularly three-pointers, reduced his versatility as an offensive threat and limited his effectiveness in half-court sets where spacing is paramount.
While Ben Simmons excelled in many other facets of the game, such as passing, rebounding, and defense, his shooting was consistently identified as a major weakness that prevented him from reaching his full offensive potential and occasionally hindered his teams' strategic flexibility.
