Ben Simmons is in the media turmoil after his catastrophic attacking streak with the Sixers and his latest statements point to a desire to progress offensively. To show his desire to do well to his franchise, he would even be ready to skip the Olympic Games with the Australian selection to work his shoot and his offensive game in general. In transfer rumors since the elimination of his own, Simmons seems willing to bend over backwards to stay in the City of Brotherly Love.
After doing his mea culpa at a press conference and while he took a lot in the face, especially by Doc Rivers and Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons once again shows signs of will to be forgiven. It must be said that the Philadelphia point guard has been infuriating in the series against the Hawks and that it will take more than good excuses to convince the management of Philly to keep him. Obviously, Simmons would have made a strong choice to complete his redemption process: the Fresh Prince will probably give up the Tokyo Olympics to work on his offensive game according to Brian Windhorst ofESPN.
Ben Simmons is doubtful to play for Australia in Tokyo Olympics, sources said. Will spend offseason working on skill development. Aussies scheduled to begin training this week in L.A.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) June 21, 2021
Both understandable and disappointing decision for any fan of FIBA competition. Feeling the wind turned towards him, Simmons may need to reassure his management to make believe in a radical change in the fall. This decision would not put him in the red for next season and should allow him to work more. Ben Simmons is reportedly even considering changing his shooting hand, as he currently shoots from the left. Blake Schuster the Bleacher/Report reports that it would not be impossible indeed for this change to be made in the player. The Sixers are quite confident that he can finally find his rhythm in shooting and make good progress this summer on this aspect of the game. However, the Olympics could have been a breath of fresh air for him. Leading a high standing team at the international level could have put Simmons back on the attack for the start of the school year. Even for the Sixers, the move could have boosted the player’s value, which has never been lower since joining the League.. Australia does not remain devoid of talent and has shown at the 2019 World Cup that it could be counted on to play the spoiler in international competitions. Arriving 4th, the Australians proved their worth with Patty Mills at the helm to lead his teammates as a good captain. Among the other NBAers potentially present, we can also mention Simmons’ teammate in Philly, Matisse Thybulle, or Matthew Dellavedova, Joe Ingles and Aron Baynes. It remains to be seen who will reject the invitation and who will honor it. Simmons has every interest in making real progress in shooting and even more generally in scoring with a good job this summer to justify his absence in Tokyo. Otherwise, there is a risk of talking loudly, whether in Philadelphia or in the land of kangaroos.
Ben Simmons risks skipping the Olympics and he’s probably doing what’s best for him. This decision was surely taken in conjunction with the management of the 76ers, perhaps even encouraged by them. All that remains is to work with the shooting machine and develop skills to be dangerous on half ground. Like the impression that this sentence has been repeated for four years.
Text source: ESPN
