Fernandez Wants Simmons Aggressive on Offense
The Philadelphia 76ers are looking for Ben Simmons to be more aggressive on offense, and coach Doc Rivers has called on him to take more shots. After a sluggish start to the season, Rivers has emphasized the need for Simmons to be a more assertive offensive threat.
“He needs to be more aggressive,” Rivers stated. "We want him to shoot more, and we want him to attack the basket. He's got great size and athleticism, and he can be a dominant force on offense."
This call for increased aggression from Simmons comes at a time when the 76ers are looking to solidify their place as contenders in the Eastern Conference. Despite having a talented roster with Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, and Seth Curry, the team has struggled to consistently perform at their peak.
One of the main reasons for their inconsistency has been Simmons's reluctance to shoot the ball. He often passes up open shots and is known for his hesitation in attacking the basket. This has created a predictable offense that opposing teams have been able to exploit.
Fernandez, a noted basketball analyst and former player, believes Simmons's lack of assertiveness is a significant issue for the 76ers. "He's got all the tools to be a great offensive player," Fernandez remarked. "But he needs to believe in himself and be more aggressive. He needs to be a threat to score from anywhere on the court."
This season, Simmons is averaging 14.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game. While these are respectable numbers, he is shooting just 53.3% from the free-throw line and 18.5% from three-point range. His reluctance to take shots has been a major concern for the 76ers.
Rivers and the 76ers are hoping that Simmons can take a step forward on offense. They believe that his increased assertiveness will unlock a new level of offensive firepower for the team.
If Simmons can develop his confidence and become a more aggressive scorer, it could make a significant difference for the 76ers. The team will need his offensive contributions if they hope to make a deep run in the playoffs.
It remains to be seen whether Simmons will heed Rivers' call and become more aggressive on offense. However, it is clear that the 76ers need him to be a more assertive player if they want to reach their full potential.