76ers' former No. 1 pick clowned by NBA fans

Anthony Pasciolla

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76ers' former No. 1 pick clowned by NBA fans image

NBA fans are ruthless toward former Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons for a variety of reasons.

For once, the hatred is a bit unwarranted. Simmons posted a photo to his Instagram story Monday of him and former Sixers teammate Matisse Thybulle working out together. It didn't take long before the public began digging in on the ex-Philadelphia backcourt's lack of shooting prowess.

The No. 1 pick of the 2016 NBA Draft and his lockdown partner played two seasons together in Philadelphia. It was the two best campaigns of Simmons' career, earning an All-Star selection in each. Alternatively, Thybulle came in as a late first-round pick and made an immediate impact on the defensive end.

As the community was quick to point out, defense was never an issue. It was the shooting, specifically from 3-point range. Thybulle shot less than 36% from the arc in his first three seasons, knocking down a career-low 313% in 2022.

While scouts knew Simmons' shot needed serious work coming out of LSU, most expected the improvements to come with time. Instead, he did not even attempt a 3-point shot until his third year. He has yet to shoot more than 30% in his eight years in the NBA.

With the harsh ending between Simmons and Philadelphia, it should come as no surprise to see the internet pouncing at this opportunity.

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Anthony Pasciolla

Anthony Pasciolla Photo

Anthony Pasciolla is a sports journalist who contributes to The Sporting News. He writes about the NBA and NFL, primarily focusing on the Philadelphia 76ers and Philadelphia Eagles. He also writes for Fan Nation’s Inside the Heat and Illini Now. He can be reached at [email protected] or followed on X @anthonypasci.