So, Ben would be so perfect on the Knicks, huh?
Ben's first four years in the league, his total FT makes and attempts were as follows:
191-341
257-428
185-298
176-287
Not exactly DRIVEN is he...has gone backwards.
By contrast, someone who was driven?
Jerry West's First Four?
331-497
712-926
371-477
584-702
So even for the great Jerry West, it took a while for him to get his FT shooting to a top tier level. BUT HE WORKED ON HIS GAME AND HIS CONFIDENCE, and was driven to keep getting better.
By 1965-66, his sixth year in the league, Jerry West converted 840-977, for a .860%, so HE GOT BETTER EVERY YEAR. And Jerry West was a great defensive player.
To put that into perspective, Jerry West [840] converted more FTs in one season, than Ben Simmons has made in four seasons [809].
Oscar Robertson, in his best season? In 1963-64, he averaged 31.4 points, 11.0 rebounds and 9.9 assists. He converted 800-938 FTs for an .853%.
In the open court, getting to the rack in transition, making plays for his team mates, Ben Simmons is a significant talent. That he has not advanced his game in other ways, does not speak well of him as someone you trade your entire fucking team for. And makes him a significant liability come the final five minutes of a close game.
LeBron. Giannis. Steph. KD. They are capable of carrying their team.
Sorry. But Gentle Ben has NO Johnson.