NBA: Simmons: “Knew before” what LeBron does

The Philadelphia 76ers tried to get LeBron James in the summer, but as you know, he chose the Los Angeles Lakers. Ben Simmons wasn’t surprised.

The reigning Rookie of the Year, like James of Klutch Sports agent Rich Paul, tried to recruit the four-time MVP, but without much hope, as he told NBA Australia: “I talked to him before he decided, but it was kind of funny because I felt he already knew,” said Simmons. “I contacted him, but I already knew what he was doing.”

Sixers partner Josh Harris had said shortly after James’ decision that he had been “intensively” involved with Philadelphia, but Simmons seems to see it differently. Kevin Love, who had previously played with James in the Cavaliers for four years, also assumes that the decision was ultimately made between Los Angeles and Cleveland.

Simmons, however, will not be deterred by this. As he told Fox Sports, the Australian is working hard on his game this summer, especially on the litter, the big weakness in an otherwise impressive debut season. “I’m working on it,” said Simmons. “In the NBA, you have to play to your strengths. “I’ve never really had the chance to just throw.”

Simmons had only taken eleven threesomes as a rookie and didn’t hit a single one, even from the middle distance he radiated no danger. “I’ve never had a situation where I had to develop the litter because I was always better than most of the players I played against. “Even this season, without jumpers, I’ve played almost a triple double in almost every game.”

Simmons rookieed 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 8.3 assists, beating Donovan Mitchell as Rookie of the Year.