Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ben Simmons both struggle immensely when it comes to shooting the ball, but Scottie Pippen believes the Bucks star still holds one thing over Simmons.
Advertisement
Simmons’ lack of an outside shot was exposed by the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals en-route to a 4-3 series loss. Giannis struggled greatly from the free-throw line as well, even air-balling an attempt, in the Bucks-Nets series.
However, the Bucks were able to able inch past the Brooklyn Nets as Giannis compensated for his game in other ways. Simmons was unable to do the same and it greatly hurt the 76ers. Philadelphia relied too heavily on Joel Embiid and Atlanta negated Simmons’ defensive impact by fouling him off the court.
That is exactly why Scottie Pippen believes that Giannis is leagues above Ben Simmons. He lacks fear and isn’t afraid to be humiliated.
Scottie Pippen had some THOUGHTS on Ben Simmons (via @GQSports): https://t.co/geU2XdSQsJ pic.twitter.com/3KwzdJF28u
— Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) June 24, 2021
Giannis Antetokounmpo Is Much More Aggressive Than Ben Simmons According To Scottie Pippen
The biggest difference between Simmons and Giannis seems to be their drive for the game. Simmons’ lack of shooting is far more consequential than Giannis’.
The Bucks superstar has a made name for himself by wreaking havoc in the paint. Simmons on the other hand, hasn’t. His biggest impact on the game comes through his defensive versatility and passing.
However, both of those can be shut down as we saw in the Hawks series. The Hawks would willingly send Simmons to the free-throw line. This meant that Simmons couldn’t be as aggressive as he’d like to be. Inconsistent playing time and constant free throw shooting can dishearten a player.
This is something Simmons will have to work on. Another thing, Giannis does much more willingly than Simmons, is try his hand at three pointers or jump shots. Without a doubt, this can sometimes hurt the Bucks as Giannis keeps jacking up threes which don’t go down, but his commitment to improve in that area is better than Simmons.
However, he too must change his game and become a better shooter if the Bucks are to be a true championship contender. Giannis and the Bucks lost game 1 to Atlanta, and while Giannis wasn’t horrible, his lack of shooting definitely hurts.
This is what it sounds like in Barclays Center when Giannis Antetokounmpo is at the free throw line tonight. pic.twitter.com/T8COLQUM7V
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) June 20, 2021