I like Draftology. I enjoy the NBA Draft process a lot, it’s the only reason why I keep a pulse on NCAA basketball. And this Draft class is looking to be very interesting. More Europeans, more seniors. Which either means that people are happy that there will be smarter players, or they’ll wince and look to trade their way out of there.
Ben Simmons has been relatively the lock for the number 1 pick in the Draft. But even for a guy who could’ve easily skipped College if the rules allowed it. People are finding holes, and they’re legit. As DraftExpress & TheVertical’s Johnathan Givony explains.
Simmons’ lack of competitiveness in some crucial games has raised questions about his character as a basketball player.
If Simmons cares so little about winning crucial college road games at Tennessee or Kentucky that could have delivered LSU to the NCAA tournament, how much will he consistently care about competing over a far more physically and mentally draining 82-game pro season?
Simmons’ box scores have grown increasingly hollow. One NBA executive described him as a “taller Rajon Rondo, a more athletic Evan Turner, or a skinnier Royce White.”
And that’s only the beginning. I suggest you read the rest because it’s pretty scathing. He balled out simply because it looked good on his resume. That’s suicide considering it’s a team game, would anybody want that?
But then again if he kept that mentality through to the NBA, would a coach ever allow that? Probably not. Unless this kid put up serious numbers. Ben Simmons will maybe need to sway some people when interviews come around.
