Jordi Fernandez’s Epic Explanation On Ben Simmons Never Making Free Throws

On Tuesday night, the Brooklyn Nets defeated the Charlotte Hornets 116-115. In addition to nine rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block, Ben Simmons recorded a season-high 10 points on a season-high eight field goal attempts.

Simmons got into two physical altercations with Brandon Miller in the third quarter, which made it clear that he was deeply involved. Miller even shoved Simmons during their second meeting, and both players received a technical.

However, even a “good” Ben Simmons game serves only as a reminder of his potential. The 6’10” point guard is adamant about not shooting outside the paint. He has committed 30 field goals, turned the ball over 32 times, and received 34 foul calls this season.

Nets Coach explains Ben Simmons’s reluctance to make free throws

The most startling figure, though, is that in 269 minutes this season, he has only made four free throws. The only other player with four free throws in over 200 minutes this season is Gabe Vincent. Jae’Sean Tate of Houston has taken five in twenty-five minutes. This year, Tristan Thompson has made six attempts in 31 minutes.

When asked about Simmons’ dearth of free throws following last night’s game, Nets coach Jordi Fernandez did a fantastic job of presenting his response in a favorable light.

Fernandez said :  “Probably he’s very good at avoiding fouls,”. “I don’t know. He hasn’t shot free-throws. He’s a great playmaker, he makes us play fast. He’s had, I think it was New Orleans that he had 10 assists in the first half so if you’re that good at kicking the ball ahead and finding your teammates in transition, it’s sometimes hard to find yourself dribbling into crowds.”

“Like I said before, I want him to be aggressive and attempt more shots. So that’s my goal right now, to get him to get his attempts to go up, but I’m not worried about the free-throws. It’s like one step at a time. Probably if he attempts more shots, maybe he gets fouled more, I don’t know. But I’m not gonna be worried about it. Right now, what I know is when he’s on the court, we play faster in the fullcourt, and that to me is important for the group. So he makes us better.”

Asked Jordi Fernandez if Ben Simmons attempting four free throws this season is concerning and whether he’s spoken with him about it:

“Probably he’s very good at avoiding fouls. I don’t know. He hasn’t shot free-throws. He’s a great playmaker, he makes us play fast… If you’re… pic.twitter.com/Kn8N3zS2Co

— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) November 19, 2024

What a reply Jordi! Well done indeed!

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