Nets Coach Fernandez Pushes Simmons To Shoot

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Post on Oct 28, 2024

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Nets Coach Fernandez Pushes Simmons to Shoot: Can He Unlock the All-Star's Potential?

The Brooklyn Nets have high hopes for Ben Simmons, the enigmatic All-Star point guard who joined the team in February 2022. But one major hurdle stands in the way of Simmons reaching his full potential: his reluctance to shoot the ball.

Coach Jacque Vaughn, who took over the Nets after Steve Nash's departure, is making it clear that he wants Simmons to be more aggressive offensively, particularly in taking jump shots. "We need him to shoot the ball," Vaughn stated during a recent press conference. "It opens up the floor for everyone else."

The statistics speak for themselves. Simmons, known for his elite passing, rebounding, and defensive prowess, has struggled to adapt to the NBA's modern offensive landscape. He averaged a career-low 6.9 points per game last season, and his shooting percentage (56.6%) was mostly a result of his high volume of layups and free throws.

So why the hesitancy? Simmons has struggled with confidence in his shooting, stemming from a perceived lack of a reliable jump shot. He's been criticized for his reluctance to even attempt shots outside the paint. This reluctance has created a predictable offensive approach for opponents, who can easily double-team him in the paint and force him to pass.

Vaughn's approach to unlocking Simmons' offensive potential is two-pronged:

• Encouragement and Trust: Vaughn is constantly reminding Simmons of his talent and encouraging him to shoot. He's instilled a sense of trust in Simmons, allowing him to play through mistakes.
• Increased Practice Time: The Nets have implemented specific drills in practice focused on improving Simmons' jump shot. Vaughn believes that repetition and confidence-building drills can help Simmons find his rhythm.

Can Simmons overcome his shooting woes and reach his full potential? Only time will tell.

Here's why this is a crucial storyline for the Nets:

• Offensive Spacing: Simmons' shooting struggles have clogged the paint and hindered the offensive flow for the Nets. His willingness to shoot opens up opportunities for teammates like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Mikal Bridges.
• Defensive Matchups: Teams have been able to exploit Simmons' reluctance to shoot, often putting smaller guards on him defensively. If Simmons proves capable of consistently hitting jump shots, he can create mismatches and become a more versatile offensive threat.

The Nets have invested heavily in Simmons, and they are hopeful that Coach Vaughn can help him unlock his full potential. If he can overcome his shooting limitations, Simmons could become a transformative player for the Nets and help them contend for an NBA championship.

For more on this story, keep an eye on the Nets' official website and social media channels. You can also follow trusted sports news outlets like ESPN, Bleacher Report, and The Athletic for the latest updates on Simmons' progress.