Legendary Australian basketball player Andrew Bogut commented on Ben Simmons’ poor performance this season and gave him a piece of advice.
Ben Simmons did not perform this season, like the Simmons we know, with an average of 6.9 points per game.
“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 said.
“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.”
‘It’s Sad To Watch’
Andrew further told 1170 SEN Breakfast, “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.”
He also added, “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.”
Ben and the Nets will battle Chicago following the NBA’s All-Star break.