The Whiteboard: Why won’t Ben Simmons shoot 3-pointers?

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Since joining the NBA, Ben Simmons has attempted a grand total of 23 3-pointers in actual regular-season games, and just one in the playoffs. He’s made just two, but that’s really beside the point.

Simmons is a primary ball-handler functioning as Philadelphia’s point guard most of the time he’s on the floor. He is incredibly effective in the role but hitting his full offensive ceiling is impossible if he can’t credibly shoot from the outside — both as a catch-and-shoot threat and, ideally, as someone who is comfortable shooting off the dribble. Dissenters may point to Giannis Antetokounmpo but a) Simmons is not a historically elite finisher like Giannis and b) in the time Simmons has been in the NBA, Giannis has attempted 614 3-pointers. Even though he shoots them at a fairly dismal percentage, the willingness to take them adds complexity to the defense’s challenge.

ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan released a deep feature on Simmons yesterday and his developmental process as a shooter, or lack thereof, was front and center. Simmons told MacMullan:

"“Some people put so much emphasis on it. It’s a little too much. It made me back check and say, ‘Let me focus on what I’m good at.’ There are things I do on the court where nobody can stop me, when I’m putting up steals, assists, scoring in the paint.”"

And also:

"“I know it’s going to come. It’s a matter of me being comfortable doing it. Some of that is getting the reps in. I can take a hook shot from the elbow, because I’ve done it so many times, I’m confident it will go in. It’s second nature.“With 3s, it’s never been like that. I’ve got to make it a point of emphasis. I could be one of those guys shooting 30% right now. But I’d rather be one of those guys shooting 40%.”"

I hate playing armchair psychologist but as much as this issue is unpacked, I can’t seem to find any sensical strategic or developmental reason for him not to try and take 3-pointers. We’re all familiar with Dwight Howard and Shaquille O’Neal’s legendary free-throw shooting in practice and how poorly it translated to game settings. It’s not like there is a magic threshold — once Simmons is making 60 percent of his open 3s in an empty gym he’ll know he can make 40 percent in the game.

Even taking and missing lots of 3s seems like it would have precious little downside. His coach is literally begging him to take more. His teammates seem to want it. There’s no way he gets more flak from fans for missing 3s than he does for not taking them. The clear implication in MacMullan’s feature is that Simmons is working through a mental block, the only barrier is himself.

We’ve all been there, admittedly with much lower stakes — hovering outside a cold lake as your friends, already in the water, implore you take the plunge; procrastinating endlessly over sending an email because you’re dreading the consequences, more imagined than real. The idea that Simmons is not shooting yet because he’s waiting to get better is absurd. The plan built on that idea is equally absurd, he is not going to suddenly start shooting without going through a period of struggle.

So, why doesn’t Ben Simmons shoot 3-pointers? Because the idea of missing them makes him uncomfortable. What will it take for him to start shooting 3-pointers? At some point, he’ll either take the plunge … or he won’t.

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