LSU's Ben Simmons

[DenverSooner]

Some of the comparisons are a bit over the top. This kid is going to be a point guard? Sure he is He is just like Russell Westbrook, Tony Parker, Chris Paul, etc. not to mention Magic Johnson (possibly the best to ever play).

I heard or read someone compare him to Penny. Penny played PG in college and was really good at it. He wasn't going to develop into a pg.

Simmons has shot 3 three point shots all season and made one. That is not a perimeter player in the NBA. Are there any 3s (not 2s or pgs) that are not a legitimate threat from the NBA three point line. This guy doesn't even appear to be a threat from the college three point line.

 

[152219]

Some of the comparisons are a bit over the top. This kid is going to be a point guard? Sure he is He is just like Russell Westbrook, Tony Parker, Chris Paul, etc. not to mention Magic Johnson (possibly the best to ever play).

I heard or read someone compare him to Penny. Penny played PG in college and was really good at it. He wasn't going to develop into a pg.

Simmons has shot 3 three point shots all season and made one. That is not a perimeter player in the NBA. Are there any 3s (not 2s or pgs) that are not a legitimate threat from the NBA three point line. This guy doesn't even appear to be a threat from the college three point line.

Comparing Simmons and Penny freshman years

Penny
17.4 ppg, 7.0 rpg, and 5.5 apg

Simmons
19.5 ppg, 12.5 rpg, and 4.9 apg

You are right that Simmons needs to develop an outside shot, but the guy is supremely talented.

 

[DenverSooner]

Comparing Simmons and Penny freshman years

Penny
17.4 ppg, 7.0 rpg, and 5.5 apg

Simmons
19.5 ppg, 12.5 rpg, and 4.9 apg

You are right that Simmons needs to develop an outside shot, but the guy is supremely talented.

The reason I mentioned Penny is he played point guard. There is a big difference between kicking out of a double team to a shooter for an assist and creating offense. I see nothing to suggest this kid will play point guard or shooting guard in the NBA. I question if he can play the three. I do think he will be a really good power forward.

 

[152219]

The reason I mentioned Penny is he played point guard. There is a big difference between kicking out of a double team to a shooter for an assist and creating offense. I see nothing to suggest this kid will play point guard or shooting guard in the NBA. I question if he can play the three. I do think he will be a really good power forward.

The guy isn't getting assists from kicking out of double teams. How many times have you watched LSU this year?

 

[steverocks35]

The guy isn't getting assists from kicking out of double teams. How many times have you watched LSU this year?

When I saw him on Saturday he was getting assists by standing with the ball looking around and then passing it. He also tallied zero assists in the second half. I certainly didn't see him running the offense. But maybe Saturday wasn't a good representation of how he has played this year. <shrugs>

 

[Max Power]

When I saw him on Saturday he was getting assists by standing with the ball looking around and then passing it. He also tallied zero assists in the second half. I certainly didn't see him running the offense. But maybe Saturday wasn't a good representation of how he has played this year. <shrugs>

It wasn't. Just like Saturday wasn't a good representation of how Jordan Woodard has played all year.

 

[DenverSooner]

The guy isn't getting assists from kicking out of double teams. How many times have you watched LSU this year?

The only time I have watched LSU is last night. I am sure you will tell us how you have watched every game or most of the games (which is a lie).

The kid is a great post player. He has unique skills for someone his size. He sees the court well and passes the ball well as a post player. He converts a very high percentage of his shots in the paint. He makes his free throws. He rebounds very well. He has an amazing vertical. He is 6'9" or 6'10" without shoes. He has an even longer wingspan. There is a lot to like about this guy and he will almost certainly be the first pick in the NBA draft.

However, he is exceptionally unlikely to play point in the NBA and it is silly for college announcers to say things like that and compare him to Magic.

 

[campbest]

The guy isn't getting assists from kicking out of double teams. How many times have you watched LSU this year?

You already know the answer to this question.

 

[152219]

The only time I have watched LSU is last night. I am sure you will tell us how you have watched every game or most of the games (which is a lie).

The kid is a great post player. He has unique skills for someone his size. He sees the court well and passes the ball well as a post player. He converts a very high percentage of his shots in the paint. He makes his free throws. He rebounds very well. He has an amazing vertical. He is 6'9" or 6'10" without shoes. He has an even longer wingspan. There is a lot to like about this guy and he will almost certainly be the first pick in the NBA draft.

However, he is exceptionally unlikely to play point in the NBA and it is silly for college announcers to say things like that and compare him to Magic.

I said earlier it the thread that I've seen 5-6 of their games. If you think I'm lying, then so be it, but you would be flat out wrong.

I have no idea where he will end up playing in the NBA. Time will tell.

 

[SilliSooner]

It wasn't. Just like Saturday wasn't a good representation of how Jordan Woodard has played all year.

This.

Simmons had a 43 point game where LSU had to work their butts off to win it. Also, in the same game, he had 14 boards, 7 dimes, 5 steals, and 3 blocks.

And then went against the one-and-doners destroying Kentucky by 18 points.

The comparison to Magic to LeBron isn't about his passing but rather his dribbling for a 6'10 guy. I'd compare him to Blake as a freshman than to the guards or small forwards. Their freshman numbers are similar, both lacked outside shots, but they were adept ball handlers and ambidextrous around the basket and high jumping ferocious rebounders.

Johnny Jones is stupid but if I had him against good inside players, I'd have Ben pull them out then drive to the basket with the goal of fouling the inside guys out of the game. Kentucky had a ton of NBA inside players but couldn't stop him.

 

[WTSooner]

I don't know what position he will end up playing, but I know as a Celtics' fan, I'm hoping they (Celtics) get the first pick in the draft and take him. He has a chance to be really, really good.

 

[steverocks35]

The problem with having Simmons "pull the post guys out to the perimeter" is that he can't shoot from out there. All they have to do is sag off of him into the lane. The one time Lattin got burned he was way to close too Simmons when he was in the triple-threat.

 

[stormspencer]

I don't know what position he will end up playing, but I know as a Celtics' fan, I'm hoping they (Celtics) get the first pick in the draft and take him. He has a chance to be really, really good.

Exactly, there is a lot of nitpicking about this guy going on in this thread...some of it is foolish. If Dallas had any prayer of getting get this guy in the draft, I would be beyond ecstatic.

 

[SoopaSooner]

I don't know what position he will end up playing, but I know as a Celtics' fan, I'm hoping they (Celtics) get the first pick in the draft and take him. He has a chance to be really, really good.

He'll end up a Laker just watch. C's always get screwed with the top pick.

 

[pnkranger]

He'll be good, but I think he'll be a lot closer to someone like Rudy Gay or Lamar Odom than Lebron James or Magic Johnson. Not elite, but very very good.

 

[sooner 1234]

Simmons is such a dominating player at the collegiate level . So dominating he will be the first number 1 pick since the lotto was started to NOT make the NCAA tourney .
First one ever . Wow .
It's not like they don't have talent , they have other NBA talent on that squad .

Again potential is through the roof but he's not even at the second story yet .

 

[SoonerBounce13]

Simmons is such a dominating player at the collegiate level . So dominating he will be the first number 1 pick since the lotto was started to NOT make the NCAA tourney .
First one ever . Wow .
It's not like they don't have talent , they have other NBA talent on that squad .

Again potential is through the roof but he's not even at the second story yet .

1. i think it is premature to say he won't make the ncaa tourney.
2. You are right his potential is through the roof...but how can you say he is not at the second story when he has the best statline in college basketball as a true freshman? I mean, his stats are unreal. They blow Blake's freshman stats out of the window. 20 ppg, 12 rpb, 5 apg, 2 spg and he isn't at the second story? cmon

 

[WTSooner]

He'll end up a Laker just watch. C's always get screwed with the top pick.

I hope not, b/c there is a lot of talk that they may end up with Durant and even Westbrook over the next couple of years via FA. If they get Simmons, with what they have, and make a Durant/Westbrook type splash in FA, they'll be very good, very soon.

The Celtics are due to get a break. I cringe however when the Nets get an upset win. Those guys need to keep losing.

 

[Zimwillett]

He'll be good, but I think he'll be a lot closer to someone like Rudy Gay or Lamar Odom than Lebron James or Magic Johnson. Not elite, but very very good.

That's probably a fair way to put it. Despite my criticisms earlier, I think his ceiling is actually a lot higher than that. If he develops a jumper and some assertiveness/toughness, he'll be an all-star level player. Just not sure he'll be an all-time great. Time will tell.

 

[sooner 1234]

1. i think it is premature to say he won't make the ncaa tourney.
2. You are right his potential is through the roof...but how can you say he is not at the second story when he has the best statline in college basketball as a true freshman? I mean, his stats are unreal. They blow Blake's freshman stats out of the window. 20 ppg, 12 rpb, 5 apg, 2 spg and he isn't at the second story? cmon

First off I say second story because he has no outside shot , soft on man up defense , most importantly isn't a leader/ closer / put the team on his back and just win.

I never doubt his abilities , but again he's isn't even close to the best in college , much less the next Lebron .

Lebron would have averaged 35 as a feshman and with that Lsu squad might win the whole damn thing .This guy isn't even going to make the tounrney .

Lastly why do people keep bringing up he's a feshman . That's a moot point . Who cares what he becomes 5 years from now , or even next year .

It's about THIS year feshman or 5th year senior.... Meaningless unless you are a NBA GM.
Is he the best feshman in years .... No doubt . Is he the even the best in college right now .... Not even close .

All we have if what he's doing this season . Does a sr have a huge advantage over a feshman no matter how talented they are??? .... No doubt .
Does that matter in a game ??? NO
Does that matter when comparing players seasons ???NO
Will he be a better player then Buddy in 3 years ? Good chance
Can he wear Buddy's jock right now as a college player ??? No way