Inside The Nets

Debating Ben Simmons' Hall of Fame Future: Insights from Le Batard and Elhassan

Le Batard and Elhassan dive into the polarizing discussions surrounding Ben Simmons, evaluating his Hall of Fame potential amid offensive challenges.

Peter Sunjic

© Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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Ben Simmons possesses remarkable talent, standing at 6'10", yet exhibits the agility and playmaking skills of a point guard, elevating his teammates through precise passing and a proactive pace-setting approach.

This mixture of amazing potential and ability has made veteran viewers like Dan Le Batard and Amin Elhassan regard him as a top-tier talent.

Despite his positive traits, Simmons is a polarizing player because of his well-known struggles. The biggest problem fans and analysts have with him is his hesitance on offense. He loves to make plays for others but there are times when he could score on his own but he refuses to.

“If he (Simmons) plays and never gets any better, he’s going to the Hall of Fame,” Elhassan said. “He defends all five positions at an elite level, he’s an excellent passer, he’s led the league in assists and (has) led the league in assists that led to three-pointers… He just needs to play confidently.”

Simmons’ lack of confidence in his shot

Ever since he was drafted 1st overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, much has been said about Simmons’ offensive power. His skill in playmaking and intuitive understanding of the game seamlessly position him as a top-tier point guard.

His reluctance to include three-point shot in his arsenal is well-documented, narrowing his offensive options as defenders anticipate his drive-and-kick strategy. This predictability becomes a tactical disadvantage, emphasizing his struggles, even evident in his 59% free-throw shooting.

He has plenty of moments of struggling but the most prominent one was in the Philadelphia 76ers' Eastern Conference Semifinals series against the Atlanta Hawks. In Game 7, Simmons passed up an open dunk in the paint because he wanted to avoid getting fouled. since that moment, his career went downhill. 

Ben still has Hall of Fame potential

At the age of 27, Ben still possesses immense amount of untapped potential. As a member of the Brooklyn Nets, he has the opportunity to elevate the team to remarkable levels, particularly with his playmaking skills, given Coach Jacque Vaughn's trust in him as the primary ball handler.

If he continues to work on his downsides and stays healthy, Simmons is one of the best point guards in the league. Additionally, the LSU product can lead the Nets to great success in the Playoffs. 

While it presents a formidable challenge, the sky's the limit for him with boundless potential. Teaming up with exceptional players like Mikal Bridges and Cameron Thomas, Simmons simply needs to execute his role effectively and validate Vaughn's trust in him.

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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