Now a television consultant, Doc Rivers keeps an eye on his former players. Notably Ben Simmons, whom he coached during the 2020/21 season. An exercise which ended in trouble with criticism from the 76ers coach against the Australian leader who ended up demanding his transfer.
“ He looks in good shape. That’s the most important thing with Ben. And then there is also mental health “, raises the old technician in reference to this dimension put forward by the player to justify his absence at the start of the 2021/22 season, pending his transfer to the Nets.
His former player had a relatively convincing preseason during which he blackened the statistics sheets. Like his outing against the 76ers precisely where he accumulated 8 points (4/8 on shots), 9 assists (but… 8 lost balls), 6 rebounds and 3 interceptions in 29 minutes.
The Nets player was less productive offensively for the last match against the Heat, with 8 rebounds and 7 assists but only 2 points on 0/4 shots. With two points therefore recorded on the throw line (2/2).
A line on which he really hasn’t shined since the start of his career. His 59% success rate makes him a potential target in the playoffs. His former coach also sees it as the key to his success. “ I never worried about his outside shooting or other things like that because I truly believe that free throws are the key that unlocks everything for him », formulates Doc Rivers.
All-Star again?
To “unblock” himself to the point of being able to return to the level that allowed him to be an All-Star three times?
“ Look, I coached Ben for a year, and he had one of the best seasons of his career. I still think Ben, when he plays well, has a chance to be an All-Star », Judges the specialist, whose former player was invited to the All-Star game that year, despite a slight decline in statistical production.
Doc Rivers then lists the already known strengths of Ben Simmons, his athletic qualities to attack the circle, his passing quality… “ He can really dominate the game in this position (playmaker),” continues the ex-coach, making the comparison with Magic Johnson, because of his size and his vision of the game.
“ If he can come back with his athleticism, speed and power, Ben Simmons is going to be a problem. But he must be in good health. He needs to regain his momentum, that’s the only thing that concerns me. If not, he will have to find another way to play, and it will be difficult », Finishes his former coach.
| Ben Simmons | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2017-18 | PHL | 81 | 34 | 54.5 | 0.0 | 56.0 | 1.8 | 6.4 | 8.1 | 8.2 | 2.6 | 1.7 | 3.4 | 0.9 | 15.8 |
| 2018-19 | PHL | 79 | 34 | 56.3 | 0.0 | 60.0 | 2.2 | 6.7 | 8.8 | 7.7 | 2.7 | 1.4 | 3.5 | 0.8 | 16.9 |
| 2019-20 | PHL | 57 | 35 | 58.0 | 28.6 | 62.1 | 2.0 | 5.8 | 7.8 | 8.0 | 3.3 | 2.1 | 3.5 | 0.6 | 16.4 |
| 2020-21 | PHL | 58 | 32 | 55.7 | 30.0 | 61.3 | 1.6 | 5.6 | 7.2 | 6.9 | 3.0 | 1.6 | 3.0 | 0.6 | 14.3 |
| 2022-23 | BRK | 42 | 26 | 56.6 | 0.0 | 43.9 | 1.0 | 5.3 | 6.3 | 6.1 | 3.3 | 1.3 | 2.3 | 0.6 | 6.9 |
| Total | 317 | 33 | 56.0 | 13.9 | 59.1 | 1.8 | 6.1 | 7.8 | 7.5 | 2.9 | 1.6 | 3.2 | 0.7 | 14.7 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
