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Fansided

76ers fans should hold back excitement of Ben Simmons developing jump shot

By Dan Parzych

TORONTO, ON - MAY 07: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots the ball during warm up, prior to Game Five of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on May 7, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 07: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots the ball during warm up, prior to Game Five of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on May 7, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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As exciting as it is to see videos of Ben Simmons developing his jump shot this summer, Philadelphia 76ers fans should pump the brakes on their excitement.

Despite all of the success from the previous two seasons, Philadelphia 76ers fans understand the importance of how the best way for this team to become the top contender in the Eastern Conference could come down to whether Ben Simmons has a reliable jump shot.

Due to the solid weapons around him over the last two seasons, Simmons has been one of those players who hasn’t really needed to rely on having a consistent jump shot as much since he was always more comfortable finding one of his teammates to complete the task.

With that being said, things are going to be a bit different heading into the 2019-20 season since with the departures of Jimmy Butler (traded to Miami Heat) and J.J. Redick (signed with New Orleans Pelicans), Philadelphia doesn’t have as many reliable shooters anymore.

Sure, the Sixers could always rely on other players such as Tobias Harris or Al Horford to step up in the scoring department, but also why shouldn’t the team expect more from Simmons?

For a player with his high level of talent, it’s going to be difficult to continue coming up with excuses for Simmons moving forward in his career if he can’t contribute enough as a scorer to help Philadelphia be in the best position possible to compete.

Luckily for Sixers fans, there have been numerous videos hitting social media of Simmons working on his jump shot this summer, some of which have even seen the massive guard drill a couple of 3-point shots.

Rightfully so, it’s easy to understand some of the excitement by the Philadelphia fan base since they realize how much of a difference maker Simmons having a jump shot could be, but also the former No. 1 pick still has a long way to go.

As much credit as Simmons deserves for putting in the work this offseason, the most important factor has yet to take place, which is proving that his jumper can be consistent during actual games once the new season gets underway.

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Philadelphia was already considered by many to be the team to beat in the Eastern Conference thanks to their successful offseason.

But if Simmons does show improvement with that ump shot during the actual season, well then fans can rightfully express their excitement.