Fansided

5 reasons Ben Simmons shouldn’t be the NBA Draft’s first pick

By Rucker Haringey

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Jan 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. LSU defeated Kentucky 85-67. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. LSU defeated Kentucky 85-67. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

1. He isn’t an alpha dog

The No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft has to have superstar potential. At the very least, he needs to have the personality to will his team to wins. Ben Simmons failed to show that kind of alpha dog mentality in any form at LSU.

No matter how weak the coaching or surrounding talent was at LSU, you would have still expected Simmons to get them into the NCAA Tournament. His entire reputation is built around creating opportunities for other players and he couldn’t create enough chances for his teammates to get them in the Big Dance.

Even more concerning is the soft performance he put up against Texas A&M in what proved to be his last college game. The most concerning statistic from that game was the fact that he only managed to provide the Tigers with one assist in their most important game of the season. He also went a ridiculous 2-of-7 from the free throw line. Those aren’t the type of numbers you expect to see from the best player in college basketball with his back against the wall.

If we’re honest, he’s failed to be an alpha dog in college and with the Australian national team. His teammates for Australia nicknamed him “The Yank” in response to his AAU style attitude. That’s another big red flag for his future NBA team.

Ben Simmons may go on to a productive NBA career, but he’s unlikely to ever be the leader of his team. That’s not good enough for a team to invest the number one overall selection in Simmons.

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