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Doc Rivers Doesn’t Care About Ben Simmons’ Shooting, Thinks Ben Can Play Like Rajon Rondo

It comes as no surprise that Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons is going through so much scrutiny at this point of his NBA career. The two-time All-Star is already in his fourth season, but he hasn’t developed a respectable shot just yet which seems to be a major concern for fans and critics.

Newly-acquired Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers however, just doesn’t care as much. In an interview on ESPN’s ‘First Take’, Rivers mentioned that while he understands that shooting is important, he wants Simmons to play free.

“I don’t care about Ben’s shooting as much as so many other people seem to care about it. I care that he’s a great player and I’m gonna let him play.”

“I really believe that it’s important in the long run, let’s be honest, but I want Ben Simmons to play free.” 

In the same interview, Rivers also implied that this isn’t the first time he’s handling a player who refuses to shoot the ball, as he once coached Rajon Rondo who also received a ton of criticism for being a non-factor from long-range.

Responding to Stephen A. Smith who was expressing his concern about Simmons, Rivers said that Simmons can be the same way as Rondo in terms of being effective despite the unwillingness to take shots from outside the paint.

“People forget I had Rondo. We won the World Championship with Rondo as the point guard and early on, Rondo could shoot the ball, but Rondo didn’t want to shoot the ball; he still doesn’t a lot. But Rondo is pretty effective in the playoffs and I think Ben can be the same way,” mentioned Rivers.