Australian basketball great Andrew Bogut believes Ben Simmons’ issues are mental hurdles he will need to overcome.
Simmons has not looked the same player this season, averaging 6.9 points per game, down from a career high 17 with the Sixers.
He has seen his role shrink from an All-Star starter with the 76ers to a backup centre with the Nets.
Bogut believes Simmons’ drop in productivity is all due to his fear of being fouled and needing to shoot free throws. He is averaging a career-low 43.9% from the line, don from 61.3% in 2020-2021 with the Sixers.
He has only made 25 (of 57) this season. In 2018-19, he made 257 (of 428).
“I don’t think it’s anything other than he doesn’t want to go to the free throw line. People saying he’s not playing hard or not giving effort or doesn’t look like he wants to be out there – I don’t think it’s any of that,” Bogut told 1170 SEN Breakfast.
“I think it’s as clear as he has the yips at the free throw line. I went through it for a couple of years where you’re shooting the ball bad and it is a lonely place.
“If he was shooting 60-80% he would be fine, but he does not want to get to the line and the way he plays basketball, a super aggressive guy who gets on the rim.
“You look at his first couple of years in Philly and then look at this current season – when was the last time he tried to dunk on someone? He hasn’t done it this season. He’s scared of getting hit and fouled and getting to the free throw line.
“His biggest issue this off-season isn’t about training or about getting free throws up, it’s going to be working a sports psychologist and trying to get over that hump.
“It’s sad to watch. As a basketball fan I want him to do well, I want him to stick fat and get his mentals right, but it’s hard to watch at the moment.”
Simmons and the Nets take on Chicago following the NBA’s All-Star break.
Despite losing both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving at the trade deadline, they remain a fun and deep team and, at least for now, sit 5th in the Eastern Conference standings.