Trae Younger defends Ben Simmons for passing up the wide-open layup towards him
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Trae Younger shared his ideas on an important play that many suppose is the rationale Ben Simmons needed to depart the Philadelphia 76ers — passing up a wide-open layup in Recreation 7 of the 2022 Jap Convention Finals.
Defending Ben Simmons
On a play that might have saved his staff towards the Hawks, Simmons (un)characteristically handed up a wide-open layup. It’s much more comical to suppose that it was Younger and his mild body that modified the facility ahead’s thoughts.
Had Ben mustered sufficient braveness to put it in or dunk it, he would have been a hero. He additionally would possibly nonetheless be enjoying for Philadelphia. However as destiny would have it, that botched play triggered the months-long saga that ended with Simmons being traded to the Nets.
Wanting again on the play, Younger defends Simmons and nonetheless thinks extremely of him regardless of the criticisms from the followers. He shared his ideas in an interview with JJ Redick.
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“I believe he type of knew I used to be going to foul, and that is why he handed it up,” Trae mentioned. “You recognize, in these moments, once you spin, it is a fast second. He might not realize it was me. He sees a blue jersey proper behind me, which he can simply drop off and possibly get a layup. I imply, it is a bang-bang play, and it sucks for him. I perceive that is a troublesome play as a result of he is a great participant. I hate how individuals discuss how dangerous of a participant he’s. That is what I am saying about recency bias as a result of I believe he is a extremely good participant.”
Followers began to show their again on Simmons after that play. They couldn’t fathom how a 6’11” received intimidated by the assistance protection of a 6’1” guard. Ben was unfairly attacked on social media, and it precipitated division within the locker room and slowly, he distanced himself from the followers.
Totally different ending
Trae additionally talked about that he would have fouled the 76ers ahead if Simmons determined to push via with the layup. After all, Philadelphia nonetheless might’ve misplaced the sport, given Ben’s atrocious share on the line, however who is aware of what actually might have occurred.
Some specialists suppose the Australian handed up the shot as a result of he was anticipating the Hawks’ star to foul him, and he’s petrified of being placed on the road. This solely provides to the followers’ frustration. As an expert participant, Ben ought to prioritize bettering his free throws. However as a result of Simmons did not work on them, it affected his confidence, leading to passiveness on the offensive aspect of the ground.
It’s unfair to now-Nets star as a result of we do not what was occurring inside his thoughts. However basketball is a recreation of stress — it rewards those that don’t draw back from stress and lambasts those that draw back from it. On that particular play, it did the latter.
