2025-11-21 14:00
Can Ben Simmons Still Make an Impact in the NBA After Recent Setbacks?
When I first saw Ben Simmons drain a three-pointer during a preseason game back in 2019, I genuinely thought we were witnessing the birth of basketball’s next superstar. Fast forward to today, and the narrative has shifted dramatically—so much so that people are asking, "Can Ben Simmons still make an impact in the NBA after recent setbacks?" As someone who’s followed his career closely and even analyzed footage from leagues like the Shakey’s Super League, where fundamentals are drilled relentlessly, I believe the answer is yes, but it’s going to take a structured, almost methodical approach. Let me walk you through what I think Simmons needs to do, step by step, drawing from both his journey and my observations of player development systems worldwide.
First off, Simmons has to reclaim his confidence on the offensive end. I’ve seen players in the Shakey’s Super League, for instance, where the emphasis isn’t just on scoring but on making smart decisions under pressure. For Ben, that means starting with the basics: shooting 500 jumpers a day, focusing on form rather than just volume. Back in his rookie season, he was attempting around 0.1 three-pointers per game—now, he’s barely taking any. To turn that around, he should work with a shooting coach who breaks down his mechanics frame by frame, similar to how teams in developmental leagues review game tape. I remember watching a clip from the Shakey’s league where a guard improved his free-throw percentage by 15% in just one season by tweaking his elbow alignment; Simmons could adopt that kind of granular focus. But here’s the catch: he can’t rush it. Pushing too hard too fast led to his back issues, which sidelined him for roughly 55 games last season. So, my advice is to integrate shooting drills gradually, maybe starting with mid-range shots and expanding outward, while monitoring his health closely. Honestly, if he doesn’t address this mental block, all the physical training won’t matter—I’ve seen it happen to other athletes who never quite bounced back.
Next up, let’s talk about defense and playmaking, which have always been his strengths. Even during his down years, Simmons averaged over 6 assists and 1.5 steals per game, numbers that many All-Stars would envy. To leverage this, he should study film from defensive stalwarts like Draymond Green, but also look at how guards in leagues like the Shakey’s Super League communicate on switches—it’s all about anticipation. I’d suggest he spends at least 30 minutes a day on defensive drills, focusing on lateral quickness and help-side positioning. From my own experience playing amateur ball, I learned that defense is as much about mindset as it is about skill; Simmons needs to embrace being the anchor again, not just a role player. One method that worked for me is visualization: picturing successful steals or blocks before games. For Ben, incorporating that into his routine could reignite his instincts. However, he has to avoid overcommitting on defense, which sometimes leaves him out of position for rebounds—a issue that cost his team a few crucial possessions last season. Data-wise, his defensive rating dipped to around 110 in 2022, compared to 105 in his prime, so fine-tuning this area is non-negotiable. I’m biased here because I love gritty defenders, but if he locks in, he could easily be a top-10 defender again.
Another critical step is managing his physical health, especially that troublesome back. Simmons has missed significant time—about 120 games over the past three seasons—due to injuries, and it’s clear that his body hasn’t fully adapted to the NBA’s grind. Drawing from the Shakey’s Super League’s approach, where players often follow tailored recovery protocols, he should invest in a personalized regimen that includes yoga, core strengthening, and maybe even alternative therapies like cryotherapy. I’ve tried yoga myself to deal with minor back pain, and the improvement in flexibility was a game-changer; for a pro like Ben, it could add years to his career. He also needs to be smarter about load management. Instead of playing 35 minutes a night, maybe cap it at 28-30 during the regular season to peak in the playoffs. But caution is key: pushing through pain, as he did in the 2021 playoffs, only exacerbates issues. I recall how one player in the Shakey’s league extended his career by five years just by listening to his body—Simmons would do well to adopt that mindset. On a personal note, I think the NBA’s culture of "toughing it out" is overrated; sometimes, resting is the bravest move.
Lastly, Simmons must rebuild his role within a team structure. This isn’t just about stats; it’s about chemistry. Watching how teams in the Shakey’s Super League celebrate every assist or defensive stop, I’m reminded that basketball is a collective effort. Ben should seek out a mentor—maybe a veteran point guard—to help him navigate locker room dynamics. From what I’ve seen, his confidence took a hit after the trade from Philadelphia, and he’s been hesitant to take leadership roles. To counter that, he could start by organizing off-court activities with teammates, like film sessions or community events, to foster trust. I’ve always believed that a connected team overperforms, and if Simmons can become the glue guy, his impact will soar. But he has to be genuine—forced leadership never works. In my own coaching stints, I’ve seen players transform simply by feeling valued; for Ben, that might mean accepting a sixth-man role initially to ease back into the flow.
So, circling back to the big question: Can Ben Simmons still make an impact in the NBA after recent setbacks? Based on what I’ve laid out, I’m optimistic. If he methodically addresses his shooting, doubles down on defense, prioritizes health, and embraces a supportive team role, he could not only contribute but thrive. The Shakey’s Super League teaches us that fundamentals and perseverance often trump raw talent, and Simmons has both in spades. It won’t be easy—there will be setbacks—but as a fan who’s rooted for him since day one, I’m betting on a comeback that reminds us why he was a number one pick. Let’s see if he puts in the work.
