Doc Rivers has already changed his tune on Ben Simmons

Sixers coach Doc Rivers seems to be more understanding of Ben Simmons’ offensive struggles a day after their Game 7 defeat.

This offseason could cause a serious shakeup on the Philadelphia 76ers roster. After losing in the second round of the playoffs, fans are growing tired of “trusting the process.” They were even more exhausted over Ben Simmons‘ offensive output in this year’s playoffs. The star player was a no-show for the Sixers against the Atlanta Hawks, and his performance in Game 7 was tough to watch.

Simmons’ offensive game, or lack thereof, always rears its ugly head in the postseason. This year was no different, as his inability (or even unwillingness) to shoot the ball came back to bite the Sixers and burn bettors foolish enough to overlook his history. Head coach Doc Rivers showed no faith in him or his future after the game, saying he doesn’t know if Simmons can be a point guard on a championship-level team.

Rivers seemingly backtracked on that statement less than 24 hours after making it.

Doc Rivers shows support for Ben Simmons after criticizing him after Game 7

The past few days haven’t been easy for Ben Simmons. He’s been the butt of numerous jokes on social media, memes are being made about him daily, many people have something to say about his horrid showing in the playoffs. Having his head coach and teammate calling him out publicly doesn’t help much either.

After taking time to process the loss, it looks like Rivers has some sort of faith in Simmons, or at least some sympathy for what he’s gone through this postseason.

“I’m very bullish on Ben still, but there’s work to do…Sometimes you have to go through stuff to see it and be honest with it. Obviously, what Ben just experienced and went through, I can’t imagine that,” Rivers said, according to Kyle Neubeck of The Philly Voice. 

That sounds a lot different than Rivers’ subtle jab after Sunday’s Game 7 loss. Ben Simmons is a supremely talented player, and his head coach and teammates know that. However, his lack of range and shooting are detrimental to his success as a player. Shooting is a part of the NBA, and Simmons either doesn’t do it well or at all in certain games.

Doc Rivers see Simmons’s potential as a pro, but he needs their 6-foot-11 forward to get out of his own way. Maybe the change of tune is the first step in the longtime head coach working with his star to fix his offensive woes.