Standing In Solidarity With Ben Simmons, So I'm Not Going To Let My Jump Shot Define Me Either

[ProBasketballTalk] - “His jump shot’s not going to define him,” Brown said Tuesday. “At some point, it will sure help. But I have aspirations, ambitions for him where I want him to feature on an all-defensive team. I personally want to post him more. I look forward to using him as a screener and giving Markelle the ball and let him roll out of it, that Blake Griffin-sort of half-roll and go to dunk.”

You know what, I’m standing here with Ben Simmons and Brett Brown. I’m not going to let my jump shot define me as well. No, sir, not at 31 years old. I’m here to be defined by other things. Perhaps I’ll start being defined for my screens or my rolls? But, not my jumper.

I actually respect the quote by Brown. It’s a strong way just to say fuck it and hide the fact that Ben Simmons can’t figure out what hand to shoot with on jumpers. I mean, it’s a smart thing to do if you’re a coach. Let him play to his advantages. But, you have to develop some sort of threat to shoot. I’m not saying you have to be a 40% shooter, but maybe hit a three? That tends to help.

Here’s the thing with Brown’s idea of running that pick and half roll set he’s discussing. What happens if Fultz doesn’t find his shot? Now you have two defenders just sagging, going under the screen and don’t have to worry about hedging or jumping. That sets up for a congested lane. Sure, you may have Redick and Covington to stretch the floor on the wings. Sure, Embiid can somewhat shoot, but you’re sitting there with a congested lane and that takes away the half roll and needing to hit midrange shots instead.

So I stand with you Ben Simmons. You won’t see me attempting a 3-point shot in the NBA this year either.