Australian basketball sensation Ben Simmons is using the NBA off-season to work on parts of his game in a bid to stave off a second-year slump.
Despite claiming Rookie of the Year honours, the 22-year-old Philadelphia 76ers star endured shooting struggles in his debut NBA season - missing all of his paltry 11 three-point attempts.
But the slick-passing point forward - who broke LA Lakers legend Magic Johnson's rookie season record for most triple-doubles - isn't resting on his laurels, acknowledging he needs to improve in multiple areas.
"I'm working, I'm trying to add pieces to my game to get to that next level," Simmons told Fox Sports.
"Certain moves, counter moves, and different spots where I need to score the ball from, and just getting reps up. I have the whole season to do that and then get ready for the playoffs.
"It's not going to happen in one season, but if I'm able to add little things to my game ... I'll get to that level."
After sitting out the entire 2016-17 season due to injury, the No.1 draft pick and dynamic big-man Joel Embiid helped the resurgent 76ers rocket to 52 regular-season wins as they grabbed the three-seed in the eastern conference.
The young duo was dominant in their 4-1 first-round drubbing of Miami to start the playoffs.
But Simmons' impact was stymied in round two against Boston, restricted to just two points in Game 2 of the best-of-seven series, as the Celtics sagged off and dared him to shoot.
Philadelphia ultimately lost the series in five games, but Simmons believes the playoff belting could be a blessing in disguise.
"For such a young team, it was great for us to get whooped in that second round," he said.
Simmons is set to get a shot at instant redemption when the 76ers renew their burgeoning rivalry with Aron Baynes' Celtics in an Australian-flavoured opening to the NBA season on October 16.
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