Eric Snow: Ben Simmons Can Salvage Situation With 76ers

October 25, 2021

Former NBA point guard Eric Snow offered words of encouragement and even some advice for Ben Simmons in the ongoing saga with the 76ers.

“He’s been an All-Star as a point guard. I wouldn’t change that. I don’t think he needs to shoot threes, but he does need to make free throws,” Snow said on a Basketball News podcast with former NBA big man Etan Thomas. “Missing threes will make you drive to the basket. Missing free throws will make you not want the ball. I don’t think he ever needs to be a three-point shooter, if he’s making free throws.

“He can still punish teams by posting the little guys and taking the big guys off the dribble from the perimeter, attacking and playing in transition. Making free throws will make him much more aggressive to score, which will make him more aggressive to make plays for other people. I would play him the exact same way, just find more ways to utilize him in the paint.”

Simmons, 25, has yet to play a minute for the 76ers this season and is said to be seeking a trade. The 76ers are reportedly looking to accommodate Simmons and actually began trade discussions over the summer.

Snow indicated Simmons can help his cause by showing up and playing to win.

“All Ben Simmons has to do is 1) make a public statement saying he wants to be in Philly, 2) compete and play hard,” Snow told Thomas. “They’ll see the passion and they’ll respect that, and 3) just win. If those things happen, trust me, all will be forgiven.”

Thomas also penned an open letter to Simmons, tweeting that, “I hope you take the time you need while this process works itself out, but whatever happens, when it’s time for you to come back to the court, I hope you come back with a whole (different) perspective, almost a Mamba Mentality and destroy everything in your path.”

Simmons has not played since a disappointing fourth-quarter performance vs. the Hawks in Game 7 of an Eastern Conference semifinals matchup.

He did not report to training camp and then was suspended for the first game after being thrown out of practice by coach Doc Rivers. He has indicated he is not mentally ready to play.

The Cavaliers, Timberwolves, Spurs, Pistons, Pacers and Raptors are said to be among the many teams interested in a Simmons trade. But as we relayed over the weekend, a deal may not be coming for another couple months.

“Missing threes will make you drive to the basket. Missing free throws might make you not want the ball. I think #BenSimmons has to be able to improve on that and I don't think he ever needs to be a three point shooter.” ~Eric Snow #TheRematch https://t.co/claZFDJQ9s pic.twitter.com/27JDwLkS2U

— Etan Thomas (@etanthomas36) October 23, 2021