In the NBA’s three-point era, it’s difficult for any player to be a lead ball-handler if they can’t knock down triples.
Partly, that’s because modern defensive schemes have responded to the three-point era. If a ball-handler can’t shoot, defending them gets less complicated. Simply sag off of them and pack the paint.
That’s been a problem for Ben Simmons. He’s one of the absolute best passers in the NBA.
Simmons sees events unfold faster than almost anyone else in the NBA can, but due to his absolute refusal to shoot, his long-term viability as a lead ball-handler is questionable.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: 3 Ben Simmons Trades For Brooklyn Nets To Strongly Consider
LaMelo Ball’s is not. He shot 38.9% from long range in 2021-22. If there’s a hole in Ball’s game, as it stands, it’s on the defensive end of the floor.
That happens to be a very strong suit for Simmons. How would it look if the two played together?
