For those sharing the conspiracy theory that Ben Simmons should be shooting with his right hand, prepare to be disappointed.
The Rookie of the Year appeared to shoot down the notion on Twitter, commenting on a story suggesting the Sixers' point guard is shooting with the wrong hand.
Ben Simmons could possibly switch to shooting with his right hand this season https://t.co/8bHtgiGI6t pic.twitter.com/UKMKokHPGV— Dime on UPROXX (@DimeUPROXX) August 14, 2018
😂— Ben Simmons (@BenSimmons25) August 15, 2018
This story stemmed from a piece by The New York Times basketball writer Marc Stein, but questions of the 22-year-old's handedness were first posted by Kevin O'Connor - formerly of SB Nation, now with The Ringer. O'Connor has been charting Simmons' shots since LSU. In a feature for SB Nation back in 2016, O'Connor noted that Simmons used his right hand on 81.5 percent of his shots. That's pretty much reverse for any lefty currently in the NBA.
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Since O'Connor first presented this theory, it's picked up some steam.
Below is a video of Simmons taking free throws right-handed during warm-ups last season.
Ben Simmons warms up shooting FT's both left and right handed. Definitely better form right handed. pic.twitter.com/uncHpc9MBE— Andrew Diehl (@centralpahoops) November 22, 2017
You have to admit, it looks pretty smooth. It's a tough angle, but his elbow looks more tucked in than when he shoots with his left. His wrist action and follow through look smoother as well.
Let's also not forget when Simmons was given the chance to throw the first pitch at a Phillies game earlier this season.
A right-handed strike from Ben Simmons 💪 pic.twitter.com/7VYz3L8zUY— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) May 26, 2018
That's a pretty nice right-handed strike.
His free throw shooting was an issue last season. As dominant as Simmons was at times, he shot just 56 percent from the line. In a game against the Wizards on Nov. 11, the Sixers held a big lead. Sensing the game was slipping away, Washington head coach Scott Brooks went to the hack-a-Ben strategy. Simmons took 29 free throws, hitting just 15. It allowed the Wizards to make the game a little too close for comfort.
With all that said, there have been instances where Simmons has showed promise with his left-handed shot. In the playoffs, Simmons shot 70 percent from the line.
He's also flashed the ability to shoot in practice …
… and in games …
Ben Simmons with the jumper.
Nothin' but net. pic.twitter.com/G3aOOKe4rk— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) December 20, 2017
Would Simmons be better if he shot with his right hand? If Simmons' reaction to that notion is any indication, we may never know.