[GuitarzzParticipant]

As the 2016 NBA Draft edges closer and closer, it seems the arguement for Simmons being the obvious number one pick becomes more uncertain. After a diminished colledge career for the LSU Tigers, both Simmons ability to lead a team, and to take over the game when it is in the balance has been a feature rarely seen by Simmons over the course of his dissapointing freshman season. Sure, his numbers of 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game look impress on paper, but as we see from both LSU’s record and Simmons’s knack to only put up huge numbers in blow out wins, hints the idea that these were just individual stats that didn’t contribute to overall team performance. This rases the question whether Simmons can be a future NBA franchise player who can take over the game and be the best player on the court to get the win for his team, and I hate to say it, but I don’t think he can. With a lack of a jump shot (only taking three 3 point attempts during his freshman season) Simmons will be a player that will be left wide open from behind the arch. This will allow defenders to gain closer position to other attackers, and will not allow his team to space the floor with as much ease when he is on the court (and we can see from the Warriors sucess how important spacing the floor is). His ability to run the point is uncaney for a person of 6ft 10 and his 41.5 inch max vertical (according to LSU) make his a high IQ, incredibly athletic, player that can literally play any position on the floor. But untill his jump shot develops (if it ever does), Simmons will experience great difficulty getting to the rack against the more elite NBA defenders who are one step ahead of him without having to close right out to him from midrange out, meaning I Simmons will be able to be the offensive threat we have seen from him in both high school and colledge.

The Verdict: I believe Simmons will have more sucess in his NBA career if he isn’t taken first overall. I think shifting the spotlight to likes of Ingram, Brown, Bender, Dunn, Heild etc. Would give Simmons the chance to develop his game to the level it needs to be to be a franchise player. If he is drafted by the likes of the celtics (under Brad Stevens), Toronto or the Jazz, I see Simmons becoming and All Star in his sophmore season. If drafted by the likes of the 76ers or Lakers, i wish him the best…

I think no question Simmons will be a good player in the league. But he has the potential to in the long run, be an all time great. But I belive where he goes in this draft which will decide his NBA career success in the long run.

  

[IlladelphParticipant]

I wouldn’t be concerned about LSU’s performance this year as somehow indicating that Simmons "can’t take over a game".  It’s kinda ridiculous to expect a freshman to magically win every game by himself.  

What I think is concerning is the character stuff.  A lot has been written about that so I won’t rehash it.  But, a big part of the NBA game is mental and I have my doubts about Simmon’s mental makeup.  

The concern about his jump shot is legit.  I can’t believe that asuperstar player in this day and age does not have a good mid to long range shot.  Though he can improve that over time, it is disappointing that a #1 pick is lacking in the shooting department.  

I would pick Ingram over Simmons all day long.  Ingtam is a better shooter, more athletic, younger, better intangibles, and has way more upside.

[IlladelphParticipant]

I wouldn’t be concerned about LSU’s performance this year as somehow indicating that Simmons "can’t take over a game".  It’s kinda ridiculous to expect a freshman to magically win every game by himself.  

What I think is concerning is the character stuff.  A lot has been written about that so I won’t rehash it.  But, a big part of the NBA game is mental and I have my doubts about Simmon’s mental makeup.  

The concern about his jump shot is legit.  I can’t believe that asuperstar player in this day and age does not have a good mid to long range shot.  Though he can improve that over time, it is disappointing that a #1 pick is lacking in the shooting department.  

I would pick Ingram over Simmons all day long.  Ingtam is a better shooter, more athletic, younger, better intangibles, and has way more upside.

[wonzi_bellsParticipant]

 The one thing I’ll say about Simmons’ jumpshot is that this season was probably his worst in that field. I honestly think he was coached harder by his Monteverde HS coach, Kevin Boyle, than he was by Johnny Jones because it’s inexplicable that he’d end up passing so many opportunities to shoot that the end-result was only shooting three 3-pt attempts. Nonetheless, I still believe he has a serviceable midrange game locked within him that I guess for some reason he isn’t comfortable taking but he has to have a coach that demands that he doesn’t just waste opportunites like that. This is where the passivity in his character blends with his shooting woes.

[wonzi_bellsParticipant]

 The one thing I’ll say about Simmons’ jumpshot is that this season was probably his worst in that field. I honestly think he was coached harder by his Monteverde HS coach, Kevin Boyle, than he was by Johnny Jones because it’s inexplicable that he’d end up passing so many opportunities to shoot that the end-result was only shooting three 3-pt attempts. Nonetheless, I still believe he has a serviceable midrange game locked within him that I guess for some reason he isn’t comfortable taking but he has to have a coach that demands that he doesn’t just waste opportunites like that. This is where the passivity in his character blends with his shooting woes.

[ZachAttackParticipant]

 I’d love Simmons on the Jazz… But it probly isn’t happening. I mean… I guess a trade could happen.

You know what… TRADE PROPOSAL!!!

Gordon Hayward, Trey Burke, Trevor Booker, and Utah’s first round pick

Boston’s Nets pick

Who says no?

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ZachAttackParticipant]

 I’d love Simmons on the Jazz… But it probly isn’t happening. I mean… I guess a trade could happen.

You know what… TRADE PROPOSAL!!!

Gordon Hayward, Trey Burke, Trevor Booker, and Utah’s first round pick

Boston’s Nets pick

Who says no?

 

 

 

 

 

 

[wonzi_bellsParticipant]

 And Utah’s first round pick? The hell would Utah do that for?

I’d take that in a heartbeat if I was Boston

 

[wonzi_bellsParticipant]

 And Utah’s first round pick? The hell would Utah do that for?

I’d take that in a heartbeat if I was Boston

 

[ZachAttackParticipant]

 Because it’s looking like it won’t be lottery… And we have the chance of getting a #1 pick???

Do you really think Boston takes the deal without Utah’s pick?

 

[ZachAttackParticipant]

 Because it’s looking like it won’t be lottery… And we have the chance of getting a #1 pick???

Do you really think Boston takes the deal without Utah’s pick?

 

[frogmanParticipant]

Being a Jazz fan you should say no!  Sure you COULD get the 1st overall pick but you could also get the 4th, 5th or 6th pick.  I’m not trading a 25 year old 20, 5 and 4 guy for that let alone a bunch of other assets.  Maybe revisit if the Celtic’s get a top 2 pick.

[frogmanParticipant]

Being a Jazz fan you should say no!  Sure you COULD get the 1st overall pick but you could also get the 4th, 5th or 6th pick.  I’m not trading a 25 year old 20, 5 and 4 guy for that let alone a bunch of other assets.  Maybe revisit if the Celtic’s get a top 2 pick.

[tuck243Participant]

Reps in damn near any sport is the best way to gain experience (unless you’re a QB w/o a line).  I think it’s the opposite…  He needs a team that will allow him to dominate the ball and game.   That he’s their go-to player.   He’s not the type of player that you should want to bring along slowly.    If anything, that stunts their growth.    He’s a 4 and regardless of who they put on him, he will be able to get to the cup.  Most defenders in the NBA can’t keep up with him regardless.   I think this is nitpicking like we always do at the end of a season and leading up to the draft.  

[tuck243Participant]

Reps in damn near any sport is the best way to gain experience (unless you’re a QB w/o a line).  I think it’s the opposite…  He needs a team that will allow him to dominate the ball and game.   That he’s their go-to player.   He’s not the type of player that you should want to bring along slowly.    If anything, that stunts their growth.    He’s a 4 and regardless of who they put on him, he will be able to get to the cup.  Most defenders in the NBA can’t keep up with him regardless.   I think this is nitpicking like we always do at the end of a season and leading up to the draft.  

[TravelinTravParticipant]

 Franchise player? No. 1st team all NBA? No All star? Maybe,  the best Robin for a Batman? Yes. 

What teams he lands on and stays with will have a big impact on his career. If he’s he 2nd or 3rd best player on a team he will strive. Watching the TWolves screw up fast breaks as often as they do I would love to see Simmons grab a board and dish the ball to LaVine, Wiggins or Towns. If he’s the 2nd option he will have a great career. But on the wrong team trying to carry them on his shoulders I believe ihis career would implode. He will get blamed for loosing a lot, as any 1st overall pick does. Then his attitude will drop and the media will hate on him immensely. 

I hope he gets into the right system. The Steve Nash era Suns would have been perfect, Or maybe even the present day Suns for that matter

[TravelinTravParticipant]

 Franchise player? No. 1st team all NBA? No All star? Maybe,  the best Robin for a Batman? Yes. 

What teams he lands on and stays with will have a big impact on his career. If he’s he 2nd or 3rd best player on a team he will strive. Watching the TWolves screw up fast breaks as often as they do I would love to see Simmons grab a board and dish the ball to LaVine, Wiggins or Towns. If he’s the 2nd option he will have a great career. But on the wrong team trying to carry them on his shoulders I believe ihis career would implode. He will get blamed for loosing a lot, as any 1st overall pick does. Then his attitude will drop and the media will hate on him immensely. 

I hope he gets into the right system. The Steve Nash era Suns would have been perfect, Or maybe even the present day Suns for that matter

[sheltwon3Participant]

 I think people forget that Lebron came into the league without a jump shot, Michael Jordan did not have much of a jump shot either.  Ben Simmons has tools that you can’t teach and learning to shoot although it may take some time, it can happen.  I see him a 4/3 though and part of me hopes that Philly does not get him but if someone moves up my team Lakers may move down and I want them to get Ingrim.  Simmons is not a great fit because we need shooting which Ingrim gives at a position we are weak at.  Lakers need a sf and a C.  Simmons can play sf but his shooting will limit things unless Lakers trade Randle and sign Durant then Simmons makes sense.

[Arc12345Participant]

That is such a gross overstatement. Lebron had no jumpshot? and Jordan didn’t have much of a jump shot? Yeah they weren’t knock down shooters but they definitely hit more jumpers at a decent rate than Ben Simmons has even attempted this year.

Let’s not compare their shooting to Ben Simmons, because it’s not even close. It’s insane you would even compare them. I really can’t recall someone with a worse jumpshot being hyped as the number 1 pick than Ben Simmons. Maybe Dwight? It’s not even like he’s just a poor jump shooter, he shoots freethrows at a terrible clip as well. 

[ZachAttackParticipant]

 Lebron still doesn’t have a jumpshot… Jordan eventually got one. Simmons can get one.

[ZachAttackParticipant]

 Lebron still doesn’t have a jumpshot… Jordan eventually got one. Simmons can get one.

[Arc12345Participant]

That is such a gross overstatement. Lebron had no jumpshot? and Jordan didn’t have much of a jump shot? Yeah they weren’t knock down shooters but they definitely hit more jumpers at a decent rate than Ben Simmons has even attempted this year.

Let’s not compare their shooting to Ben Simmons, because it’s not even close. It’s insane you would even compare them. I really can’t recall someone with a worse jumpshot being hyped as the number 1 pick than Ben Simmons. Maybe Dwight? It’s not even like he’s just a poor jump shooter, he shoots freethrows at a terrible clip as well. 

[sheltwon3Participant]

 I think people forget that Lebron came into the league without a jump shot, Michael Jordan did not have much of a jump shot either.  Ben Simmons has tools that you can’t teach and learning to shoot although it may take some time, it can happen.  I see him a 4/3 though and part of me hopes that Philly does not get him but if someone moves up my team Lakers may move down and I want them to get Ingrim.  Simmons is not a great fit because we need shooting which Ingrim gives at a position we are weak at.  Lakers need a sf and a C.  Simmons can play sf but his shooting will limit things unless Lakers trade Randle and sign Durant then Simmons makes sense.

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