A tradition unlike any other: Ben Simmons shooting videos

Hello, friends.

In something that’s become a tradition unlike any other, we have fresh Ben Simmons offseason shooting videos.

We know Simmons has again been working out with Chris Johnson, a renowned trainer that has several high-profile NBA clients — including Tyrese Maxey — but we haven’t seen much video posted. That changed Monday when Johnson shared video of Simmons and veteran guard Rajon Rondo shooting 3s in his Instagram story.

This next part will surely piss many people off, but Simmons does look natural firing away here and swishing both shots. For people that were not thrilled with Simmons skipping out on the Olympics and wondered how much work he was putting in, here you go.

At the same time, we’ve seen this movie before. This wasn’t even a scrimmage let alone Game 7 of the second round of the playoffs. It feels like every offseason Simmons teases us, feeling like this could be the year he unlocks the part of his game that could truly make him ascend.

Alas, that has not happened.

That’s a big part of why Simmons has reportedly been dangled in trade rumors. Teams like the Warriors, Kings and Timberwolves have been linked to the talented yet flawed All-Star, but Daryl Morey’s price has reportedly been exorbitant.

As Derek Bodner of The Athletic points out, it seems like a scenario where Morey is holding out for a possible Damian Lillard trade with the Trail Blazers. Neil Olshey doesn’t seem like a big Instagram guy, so Morey may want to make sure the video crosses his path.

We may be at the point of no return with Simmons and the team, but there’s also a real possibility that the Defensive Player of the Year runner up will be in a Sixers jersey on opening night.

If that’s the case, let’s hope this jumper comes with him.