DraymondT

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That’s crazy OP read him like a book. Called him soft, entitled, and lazy. Those three traits were ultimately his downfall. Too bad he’s banned and can’t gloat lol

His character and work ethic were criticisms pre draft


"Simmons’ lack of competitiveness in some crucial games has raised questions about his character as a basketball player. While many top picks succumb to the NBA star lifestyle and emerge as average competitors, it’s rare to see that at the collegiate level. From Blake Griffin to Michael Beasley to Carmelo Anthony, those elite college players were rarely questioned about their drive during their collegiate careers. Simmons has displayed an apathy for defense, contact and delivering winning plays in crucial moments. Those troubling revelations in Simmons’ game are cause for concern among decision-makers on lottery teams with whom we’ve had contact.

Here’s what NBA teams wonder: 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? Truth be told, Simmons will almost assuredly be on a bad team that will need to fight every night to win games."

The concerns about Simmons’ character didn’t magically appear the moment he arrived on campus in Baton Rouge. Those sentiments also have been expressed by members of the Australian national team who have spent time with him at the junior and senior levels. Those who know him best say he needs things to revolve around him on and off the court and that he's often been close-minded to coaching or instruction."


Even NBA players peeped there was somethin off wit that nikka like TMac.

“There was one guy that just walked in there and acted like he didn’t know nobody,” McGrady told The Jump host Rachel Nichols.

On Tuesday, former NBA coach and general manager turned analyst Stu Jackson also took shots at Simmons’ character.
“There’s just something about the way Simmons has handled himself, or been handled by his camp, that gives me a little bit cause for pause. Just in terms of whether mentally and personally he’s ready to make this jump to the NBA level,” Jackson told SI.com.
“I can’t get into a guy’s mind. You can only speculate and evaluate based on what you see. What I saw is a player in college, who was at LSU, that didn’t have a very good season. I saw a player that didn’t necessarily persevere as well as I would have liked through not having a very good season ... his body language at times bothered me.
“There's just some personal characteristics with the way he portrayed himself and performed that just gave me a reason to be a little bit hesitant about taking him number one.”
 

good pups

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crazy to think he had any success in the NBA now. also that piece has this funny part:

The uncertainty surrounding Simmons has cleared the way for Duke forward Brandon Ingram to be considered the No. 1 overall prospect.
 

Harry B

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He should've gone in the second round and just profiled himself as a defense specialist with a bag.

It just doesn't make sense that you can make it to the NBA, even as a first pick, and not be a competitive person. Cause that alone is like winning one of the toughest competitions in the world
 

Jazzy B.

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He checked OUT after the back injury.

He lost a lot of his athleticism after the surgeries.

Then it became about SCAMMING The NBA.

The Ben Simmons BEFORE the back injury (PRE-2020) was a different player. He actually played with aggression.
 

Jazzy B.

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He should've gone in the second round and just profiled himself as a defense specialist with a bag.

It just doesn't make sense that you can make it to the NBA, even as a first pick, and not be a competitive person. Cause that alone is like winning one of the toughest competitions in the world

Let’s not rewrite history.

Simmons was being called “the heir to Lebron” back in 2018.
 

Harry B

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Let’s not rewrite history.

Simmons was being called “the heir to Lebron” back in 2018.
Who is rewriting history, I'm saying after the fact, it would've probably worked out better if he could be a lower rated player :dahell:
 

Saint1

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All this is wild.

But THE WILDEST part of all this is teams still traded for him and the Clippers even signed him :mindblown: :mindblown:
 
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