Official #1 pick thread

[HartfordWhalers]

New thread. New poll.

Some more options to capture who is shifting their opinion and all that jazz.

[NJ SixerFan]

Was team Ingram but have switched. I'm just so fascinated of what a lineup of Simmons saric and embiid could become. Small ball talents in big guy bodies. Beat up on small teams but have the ability to get out and run like a small ball team.

[Unbreakable99]

I was always on the team Simmons. I really like Ingram but between the two it wasn't even a decision. Easily Simmons.

Also in before someone says see what LeBron and the Cavs are doing in the finals. LeBron is ball dominant and the Cavs play isolation ball and LeBron can't shoot. That scares me about Simmons if he plays like LeBron. He can't shoot and he demands the ball and we will play iso ball a lot. This is why I want Ingram. He can shoot. Lol.

[LloydFree]

Ingram. But unlike most years, I don't have a strong opinion against the other choice.

I'd prefer to build around Embiid or Noel, with long athletic 2 way players, who fit easily into traditional positions. I just don't know how you use Simmons' strengths effectively from the PF position, without putting him as a liability against bigger traditional PF's.

On the other hand, it's hard to pass up the opportunity to have a unique talent, that will give you the opportunity to play different styles. I don't see Simmons as a player to build around, but if he's put in the right system and he learns to shoot a little, maybe he becomes a bigger Scottie Pippen rather than Billy Owens.

[UptownPhilly]

I was Team Ingram. I'm on board for Simmons. Now that it seems like Simmons is our clear cut pick, it makes sense to get in line. I'm still hoping that Okafor remains a key piece in our core and develops on both ends of the floor.

I didn't want to follow the Simmons hype, but I'm mostly excited about his ability to put the ball on the floor. He also looks like his shot is improving. I'm happy either way, but the Simmons pick is looking like the wiser decision as each day goes by.

[Unbreakable99]

Ingram. But unlike most years, I don't have a strong opinion against the other choice.

I'd prefer to build around Embiid or Noel, with long athletic 2 way players, who fit easily into traditional positions. I just don't know how you use Simmons' strengths effectively from the PF position, without putting him as a liability against bigger traditional PF's.

On the other hand, it's hard to pass up the opportunity to have a unique talent, that will give you the opportunity to play different styles. I don't see Simmons as a player to build around, but if he's put in the right system and he learns to shoot a little, maybe he becomes a bigger Scottie Pippen rather than Billy Owens.

I think his uniqueness will put him at an advantage. Simmons is part of the new NBA where players are positionless. Why do people have to pigeonhole players and put players in a box? And when you say he could be a liability against bigger traditional PFs, I disagree. Let's say he is going up against Blake Griffin. He should be able to hold his own down low. As of today Giffin is bigger and stronger so he will probably be able to do well against him but on the other end Griffin is not used to guarding PGs. Simmons will be at the top of the 3 point line or on the wing. Griffin is pretty athletic but that's still outside of his comfort zone. He doesn't want to be guarding anyone that far away from the basket.

Same thing with Kevin Love. Love isn't the athlete Griffin is and while he camps out at the 3 point line he doesn't want to guard someone handling the ball facilitating the offense. Simmons should have the quickness advantage over traditional 4s. I expect teams to put their SF or SG a lot on Simmons so they can match up better. This will cause mismatches with another player for us though.

[spikeslovechild]

I'm in favor of selecting the best player whomever that happens to be. My concerns about Simmons are above the neck. I also totally disagree with those who think it doesn't play a factor it does especially Simmons whose game needs work.

[CoreyGallagher]

I quoted my tweets from February-March stating that Simmons is a tier above Ingram. So, yeah, I've preferred Simmons and still do, but I'm fine if we selected either for varying reasons.

[LloydFree]

Ingram. But unlike most years, I don't have a strong opinion against the other choice.

I'd prefer to build around Embiid or Noel, with long athletic 2 way players, who fit easily into traditional positions. I just don't know how you use Simmons' strengths effectively from the PF position, without putting him as a liability against bigger traditional PF's.

On the other hand, it's hard to pass up the opportunity to have a unique talent, that will give you the opportunity to play different styles. I don't see Simmons as a player to build around, but if he's put in the right system and he learns to shoot a little, maybe he becomes a bigger Scottie Pippen rather than Billy Owens.

I think his uniqueness will put him at an advantage. Simmons is part of the new NBA where players are positionless. Why do people have to pigeonhole players and put players in a box? And when you say he could be a liability against bigger traditional PFs, I disagree. Let's say he is going up against Blake Griffin. He should be able to hold his own down low. As of today Giffin is bigger and stronger so he will probably be able to do well against him but on the other end Griffin is not used to guarding PGs. Simmons will be at the top of the 3 point line or on the wing. Griffin is pretty athletic but that's still outside of his comfort zone. He doesn't want to be guarding anyone that far away from the basket.

Same thing with Kevin Love. Love isn't the athlete Griffin is and while he camps out at the 3 point line he doesn't want to guard someone handling the ball facilitating the offense. Simmons should have the quickness advantage over traditional 4s. I expect teams to put their SF or SG a lot on Simmons so they can match up better. This will cause mismatches with another player for us though.

You picked 2 of the 3 smallest PFs in the league as as examples of matchups.

He will be at a size disadvantage against 90% of NBA PFs. And as for Griffin being at a disadvantage guarding him at the 3-pt line, that won't happen as he is right now. He can't shoot, so he will not be guarded at the 3 point line. There is this thing called zone defense, and another thing called defensive switches that cause problems for perimeter players who can't shoot. Little guys will harass his dribble on the perimeter and big guys won't easily let him get a shot off inside. It's not as easy to do the things he did in college as it is in the NBA, because he won't have the physical advantage to do what he wants. That said, shooting can get dramatically better from college to the NBA, so if he gets l lot better, then everything else becomes moot.

[Unbreakable99]

Ingram. But unlike most years, I don't have a strong opinion against the other choice.

I'd prefer to build around Embiid or Noel, with long athletic 2 way players, who fit easily into traditional positions. I just don't know how you use Simmons' strengths effectively from the PF position, without putting him as a liability against bigger traditional PF's.

On the other hand, it's hard to pass up the opportunity to have a unique talent, that will give you the opportunity to play different styles. I don't see Simmons as a player to build around, but if he's put in the right system and he learns to shoot a little, maybe he becomes a bigger Scottie Pippen rather than Billy Owens.

I think his uniqueness will put him at an advantage. Simmons is part of the new NBA where players are positionless. Why do people have to pigeonhole players and put players in a box? And when you say he could be a liability against bigger traditional PFs, I disagree. Let's say he is going up against Blake Griffin. He should be able to hold his own down low. As of today Giffin is bigger and stronger so he will probably be able to do well against him but on the other end Griffin is not used to guarding PGs. Simmons will be at the top of the 3 point line or on the wing. Griffin is pretty athletic but that's still outside of his comfort zone. He doesn't want to be guarding anyone that far away from the basket.

Same thing with Kevin Love. Love isn't the athlete Griffin is and while he camps out at the 3 point line he doesn't want to guard someone handling the ball facilitating the offense. Simmons should have the quickness advantage over traditional 4s. I expect teams to put their SF or SG a lot on Simmons so they can match up better. This will cause mismatches with another player for us though.

You picked 2 of the 3 smallest PFs in the league as as examples of matchups.

He will be at a size disadvantage against 90% of NBA PFs. And as for Griffin being at a disadvantage guarding him at the 3-pt line, that won't happen as he is right now. He can't shoot, so he will not be guarded at the 3 point line. There is this thing called zone defense, and another thing called defensive switches that cause problems for perimeter players who can't shoot. Little guys will harass his dribble on the perimeter and big guys won't easily let him get a shot off inside. It's not as easy to do the things he did in college as it is in the NBA, because he won't have the physical advantage to do what he wants. That said, shooting can get dramatically better from college to the NBA, so if he gets l lot better, then everything else becomes moot.

Look at the PFs of today. Luol Deng and Anthony Davis and Draymond Green and Aldridge and Otto Porter and Ibaka. There are not too many bangers who just camp down low and try to back you down. Ok. Name me all the PFs who will give Simmons problems guarding down low. Simmons is tall and lean but he still has some weight on him. I don't see him getting pushed around down low too much. I just want all the names of the PFs who will just be too physical for him in the paint please.

And you're right about switching and players backing off of him but those PF will still be at a disadvantage if they guard him out to the 3 point line. Simmons can also play down low as well. He moves around a lot.

[Skates]

I voted for Ingram before, but was never on Team Ingram or Team Simmons. It was always a close call for me and originally went with Ingram for fit and to be a bit contrarian. After doing as much additional research as I can, hearing updates and thinking on things, I am strongly in the Simmons corner with the number one pick, Ingram as number two. If you want indecisiveness still, I change my mind possibly by the hour as to who is the third best player in this draft (though if he were in the draft I think I would vote Saric number three this year).

[LloydFree]

I voted for Ingram before, but was never on Team Ingram or Team Simmons. It was always a close call for me and originally went with Ingram for fit and to be a bit contrarian. After doing as much additional research as I can, hearing updates and thinking on things, I am strongly in the Simmons corner with the number one pick, Ingram as number two. If you want indecisiveness still, I change my mind possibly by the hour as to who is the third best player in this draft (though if he were in the draft I think I would vote Saric number three this year).

Saric will be lucky to be a good back-up in this league. Dunn will be a borderline All-star.

[PhilasFinest]

Ingram. But unlike most years, I don't have a strong opinion against the other choice.

I'd prefer to build around Embiid or Noel, with long athletic 2 way players, who fit easily into traditional positions. I just don't know how you use Simmons' strengths effectively from the PF position, without putting him as a liability against bigger traditional PF's.

On the other hand, it's hard to pass up the opportunity to have a unique talent, that will give you the opportunity to play different styles. I don't see Simmons as a player to build around, but if he's put in the right system and he learns to shoot a little, maybe he becomes a bigger Scottie Pippen rather than Billy Owens.

I think his uniqueness will put him at an advantage. Simmons is part of the new NBA where players are positionless. Why do people have to pigeonhole players and put players in a box? And when you say he could be a liability against bigger traditional PFs, I disagree. Let's say he is going up against Blake Griffin. He should be able to hold his own down low. As of today Giffin is bigger and stronger so he will probably be able to do well against him but on the other end Griffin is not used to guarding PGs. Simmons will be at the top of the 3 point line or on the wing. Griffin is pretty athletic but that's still outside of his comfort zone. He doesn't want to be guarding anyone that far away from the basket.

Same thing with Kevin Love. Love isn't the athlete Griffin is and while he camps out at the 3 point line he doesn't want to guard someone handling the ball facilitating the offense. Simmons should have the quickness advantage over traditional 4s. I expect teams to put their SF or SG a lot on Simmons so they can match up better. This will cause mismatches with another player for us though.

You picked 2 of the 3 smallest PFs in the league as as examples of matchups.

He will be at a size disadvantage against 90% of NBA PFs. And as for Griffin being at a disadvantage guarding him at the 3-pt line, that won't happen as he is right now. He can't shoot, so he will not be guarded at the 3 point line. There is this thing called zone defense, and another thing called defensive switches that cause problems for perimeter players who can't shoot. Little guys will harass his dribble on the perimeter and big guys won't easily let him get a shot off inside. It's not as easy to do the things he did in college as it is in the NBA, because he won't have the physical advantage to do what he wants. That said, shooting can get dramatically better from college to the NBA, so if he gets l lot better, then everything else becomes moot.

Wait, How is a 6'10 250+ lbs PF going to be at a size disadvantage against 90% of NBA PF's?

[ExplosionsInDaSky]

Team Simmons, the idea of having a big team that can still run you out of the gym, or play down on the low block is awesome. We can have a big "running" ball movement type lineup with Simmons/Saric/Embiid, we can play small with shooter/Simmons/Embiid, we can go big with Simmons/Okafor/Embiid, we can go offense with Saric/Simmons/Okafor. The type of lineups we can run are endless with a guy like Ben Simmons here.

[spikeslovechild]

I voted for Ingram before, but was never on Team Ingram or Team Simmons. It was always a close call for me and originally went with Ingram for fit and to be a bit contrarian. After doing as much additional research as I can, hearing updates and thinking on things, I am strongly in the Simmons corner with the number one pick, Ingram as number two. If you want indecisiveness still, I change my mind possibly by the hour as to who is the third best player in this draft (though if he were in the draft I think I would vote Saric number three this year).

Saric will be lucky to be a good back-up in this league. Dunn will be a borderline All-star.

Seniors are always overrated come draft time. Dude is 22 and people are comparing his stats to a 19 year old Murray.

[Skates]

I voted for Ingram before, but was never on Team Ingram or Team Simmons. It was always a close call for me and originally went with Ingram for fit and to be a bit contrarian. After doing as much additional research as I can, hearing updates and thinking on things, I am strongly in the Simmons corner with the number one pick, Ingram as number two. If you want indecisiveness still, I change my mind possibly by the hour as to who is the third best player in this draft (though if he were in the draft I think I would vote Saric number three this year).

Saric will be lucky to be a good back-up in this league. Dunn will be a borderline All-star.

10-15 years ago I might have thought that, but Saric is almost the blue print for a modern day four, while a non-shooting PG with TO issues is becoming very much a limited player unless they are an ultra-athlete like Wall or Westbrook (who I consider decent shooters, not great ones). Dunn is a very good athlete but not in that class. Individually Dunn may be more impressive, but in a team building sense I would go for Saric. If Dunn improves his shooting off the dribble and learns how to play off the ball more, he can be great. I think Saric is very underrated by a lot of people on this Board, just my opinion.

[Arsenal]

I fail to see how a 6'10" 240lb. 19 year old who will get stronger and add some weight over time is undersized for the PF position. That's prototypical size, and bigger than a lot of the undersized small ball 4's that are now popular.

And when he plays SF he will have a huge size advantage.

[Kobblehead]

Even if Dunn fails to reach the John Wall ceiling (which I agree that he is not in his class as an athlete), he's still looking like a suped up Ricky Rubio with more athleticism. Which is an absolutely incredible building block.

[Arsenal]

I voted for Ingram before, but was never on Team Ingram or Team Simmons. It was always a close call for me and originally went with Ingram for fit and to be a bit contrarian. After doing as much additional research as I can, hearing updates and thinking on things, I am strongly in the Simmons corner with the number one pick, Ingram as number two. If you want indecisiveness still, I change my mind possibly by the hour as to who is the third best player in this draft (though if he were in the draft I think I would vote Saric number three this year).

Saric will be lucky to be a good back-up in this league. Dunn will be a borderline All-star.

10-15 years ago I might have thought that, but Saric is almost the blue print for a modern day four, while a non-shooting PG with TO issues is becoming very much a limited player unless they are an ultra-athlete like Wall or Westbrook (who I consider decent shooters, not great ones). Dunn is a very good athlete but not in that class. Individually Dunn may be more impressive, but in a team building sense I would go for Saric. If Dunn improves his shooting off the dribble and learns how to play off the ball more, he can be great. I think Saric is very underrated by a lot of people on this Board, just my opinion.

[LloydFree]

I voted for Ingram before, but was never on Team Ingram or Team Simmons. It was always a close call for me and originally went with Ingram for fit and to be a bit contrarian. After doing as much additional research as I can, hearing updates and thinking on things, I am strongly in the Simmons corner with the number one pick, Ingram as number two. If you want indecisiveness still, I change my mind possibly by the hour as to who is the third best player in this draft (though if he were in the draft I think I would vote Saric number three this year).

Saric will be lucky to be a good back-up in this league. Dunn will be a borderline All-star.

10-15 years ago I might have thought that, but Saric is almost the blue print for a modern day four, while a non-shooting PG with TO issues is becoming very much a limited player unless they are an ultra-athlete like Wall or Westbrook (who I consider decent shooters, not great ones). Dunn is a very good athlete but not in that class. Individually Dunn may be more impressive, but in a team building sense I would go for Saric. If Dunn improves his shooting off the dribble and learns how to play off the ball more, he can be great. I think Saric is very underrated by a lot of people on this Board, just my opinion.

Saric looks like he's running in mud. He won't be able to guard anybody in the NBA. Are you watching what Kevin Love looks like out there, in these playoffs. Saric makes Love look like a cheetah on a basketball court. Saric will have to hidden on the court against back-ups.