Tier 4 – Hate/Love Relationship
Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons is arguably the most naturally gifted player on this list but his reputation repels rather than attracts.
The former No. 1 pick’s mental toughness has been questioned due to his reluctance to take shots. In a similar sense, people often doubt his love for and commitment to playing basketball. That may just seem like a fan or media invention or narrative. Yet, commonly held perception of players can seep into their peers’ and coaches’ minds as well, assuming they weren’t already there.
With that being said, there’s a chance that the Rockets wouldn’t even want to sign Simmons just based on his intangibles. There’s also the fact that he can’t stay healthy and won’t take a 3. Even so, Houston could see his constant efforts to return from injury as evidence he’s mentally tough. More than that, they could look at is evidence he actually loves basketball. They could also see his decision to reach a buyout with the Brooklyn Nets to join a contender as evidence he cares about winning more than money.
Simmons is undoubtedly an elite passer and multi-positional defender at 6-foot-10 though, and that could matter most.
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