Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez is pushing Ben Simmons to take a more aggressive offensive approach, setting a target of 10 shots per game. After a significant scoring decline since joining Brooklyn, Simmons now faces a clear challenge from Fernandez to increase his offensive output.
Simmons, who averaged between 14 and 17 points per game over four seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, has struggled to reach even seven points per game in his three seasons with the Nets. His lower scoring figures come largely from a drop in shot attempts, decreasing from an average of 12 per game in Philadelphia to just over four with Brooklyn.
In a recent statement, Fernandez emphasized the need for Simmons to make more attempts. “I want him to shoot more. My goal for him is 10 [shots per game]. He’s gotta find a way to get there,” Fernandez told reporters, via Erik Slater. “He hasn’t gotten there, but I know he can… Those attempts need to go up… He’s more than capable,” he added, highlighting his confidence in Simmons’ scoring potential.
This season, Simmons is averaging 6.2 points, with just 4.4 field goal attempts per game. Despite shooting at an efficient 63.6%, the limited volume has stifled his contribution as a consistent scoring option for the Nets. Alongside his points, Simmons is also posting averages of six rebounds and 6.2 assists in 24.4 minutes per game.
Fernandez’s target of 10 shots per game signals a strategic shift for Brooklyn, where Simmons’ scoring could bolster the team’s offensive capabilities. The move also reflects a broader aim to restore Simmons’ confidence on the court, where an assertive offensive approach could benefit the Nets’ depth and ball distribution.
