Ben Simmons

[HeartBreakKid]

I'm not sure if citing Smith and Howard dominating the Mavericks is much of an accomplishment. That Mavericks team had the WOAT defensive roster going into the first round, I mean it was basically an all-nba worst defensive team of players.

[Dame Lizard]

He is probably playing C at LSU a ton too, but that is not the point, Simmons is a guy that will have much more space for his game and more ability to be a determinant player as a 4, with more spacing from the perimeter, more speed, and slower guys defending him.
The way he moves and plays is the one of a face-up PF, it is just pure on-court geometry, the game and the offense will be much more fluid with him at the PF.

The measurements for me prove nothing, even if I did buy into them, I dont, game speed and athleticism is what counts and Simmons is not a guy that is flashy or explosive, his game is not predicated on that, he is a solid athlete, but he will be much more comfortable, especially with his lack of shooting ability as a PF.

I agree, he's a PF.

I hope he works on his FT's, as his offensive game is conducive to drawing fouls imo, so hitting them at a good percentage will make a big difference.

[76ciology]

Initially, they'd try him at his best possible scenario, which is a wing in the same echelon of KD and LBJ just like what most peeps think of Wiggins prior to college. And I'm guessing that won't work since he doesn't possess that genius scoring skillset of those elite wings. He'll need that great ability to create off the dribble, great shooting touch and high FT rate game to make it work.

I think he'll eventually end up playing the Iguodala/Odom swiss knife forward who is a triple double threat when he's on the court. I just don't know how good he'll be in creating for his teammates on offense against NBA caliber wings. I just feel like he's most comfortable playing this role.

Worst case, he plays that Boris Diaw role as what "undefeated" mentioned, a playmaking 4 that is where the league is trending towards.

For now, he's got great length and unique skillset that allows him to have multiple options on what role he'll eventually play.

[crazy_me_87]

Initially, they'd try him at his best possible scenario, which is a wing in the same echelon of KD and LBJ just like what most peeps think of Wiggins prior to college. And I'm guessing that won't work since he doesn't possess that genius scoring skillset of those elite wings. He'll need that great ability to create off the dribble, great shooting touch and high FT rate game to make it work.

I think he'll eventually end up playing the Iguodala/Odom swiss knife forward who is a triple double threat when he's on the court. I just don't know how good he'll be in creating for his teammates on offense against NBA caliber wings. I just feel like he's most comfortable playing this role.

Worst case, he plays that Boris Diaw role as what "undefeated" mentioned, a playmaking 4 that is where the league is trending towards.

For now, he's got great length and unique skillset that allows him to have multiple options on what role he'll eventually play.

Where do you get that from?
comparing him to KD makes no sense style or skill wise.

Looking at Lebron out of HS.. there was no "genious scoring skillset" that screamed at you.

Ben and Lebron out of HS are actually very,very simillar. Lebrons jumper was just as suspect as Bens.. people where asking left and right "can he shoot good enough to play the wing?" or "What is his role gonna be passer or scorer?"

People are always lost in hindsight..

Lebron was actually compared to Magic most of the times. It was not clear that he would average 27ppg for his career at all. most people thought he would not have the scoring skill and mindset for that.

Ben and Lebrons HS Stats are also very simillar. Lebron lets compare their senior years:

Lebron: 30ppg 9.7rpg 4.9apg 2.9spg 1.9 bpg 56%fg 38%three 67%FT

Ben: 28ppg 12rpg 4apg 2.6spg 1.5bpg 66%FG 30%three 68%FT

Lebron has a slight advantage in 3pt% but 38% from HS three are still not that great

Their scoring is only 2ppg apart their apg only 0.9.. they are really simillar on defense in terms if steals and blocks.. and Their FT% is identical. Oh and Ben is a better rebounder and finisher around the rim. More effiecent overall.

He stacks up amazingly well to HS Lebron in stats,winning,playstyle. I have watched multiple HS games from both Lebron and Ben and can tell that they are as simmillar as MJ and Kobe. Ben has molded his game exactly after Lebrons and has actually the talent to become the "next Lebron" like Kobe became the "next MJ".

[crazy_me_87]

I think if found a great quote about Ben in an article that backs the "Kobe mindset" up:

"Ben's a little crazy in that Ben doesn't want to play with the quote-unquote top five players in the country and win a championship," Liam Simmons says. "He wants to play with good players, in their right great players, and go out and beat the Kentuckys and the Dukes, the North Carolinas of the world. He'd love nothing more than to go into Kentucky and beat them … rather than go to Kentucky and win a championship because that's expected."

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/sec/2015/06/19/ben-simmons-lsu-basketball-nba-guard-forward-recruit/71257494/

[Upperclass]

^^ Ignorant comparison. It was clear LeBron had one in a LIFETIME athleticism, speed and strength. LeBron was the fastest player end end for many years. Ben is not in the same stratosphere. Ben will have to think the game more. As stated, its clear his career arch will be that of an Odom, iggy or Diaw, with potentially more scoring output

[Dcebucks11]

Initially, they'd try him at his best possible scenario, which is a wing in the same echelon of KD and LBJ just like what most peeps think of Wiggins prior to college. And I'm guessing that won't work since he doesn't possess that genius scoring skillset of those elite wings. He'll need that great ability to create off the dribble, great shooting touch and high FT rate game to make it work.

I think he'll eventually end up playing the Iguodala/Odom swiss knife forward who is a triple double threat when he's on the court. I just don't know how good he'll be in creating for his teammates on offense against NBA caliber wings. I just feel like he's most comfortable playing this role.

Worst case, he plays that Boris Diaw role as what "undefeated" mentioned, a playmaking 4 that is where the league is trending towards.

For now, he's got great length and unique skillset that allows him to have multiple options on what role he'll eventually play.

Where do you get that from?
comparing him to KD makes no sense style or skill wise.

Looking at Lebron out of HS.. there was no "genious scoring skillset" that screamed at you.

Ben and Lebron out of HS are actually very,very simillar. Lebrons jumper was just as suspect as Bens.. people where asking left and right "can he shoot good enough to play the wing?" or "What is his role gonna be passer or scorer?"

People are always lost in hindsight..

Lebron was actually compared to Magic most of the times. It was not clear that he would average 27ppg for his career at all. most people thought he would not have the scoring skill and mindset for that.

Ben and Lebrons HS Stats are also very simillar. Lebron lets compare their senior years:

Lebron: 30ppg 9.7rpg 4.9apg 2.9spg 1.9 bpg 56%fg 38%three 67%FT

Ben: 28ppg 12rpg 4apg 2.6spg 1.5bpg 66%FG 30%three 68%FT

Lebron has a slight advantage in 3pt% but 38% from HS three are still not that great

Their scoring is only 2ppg apart their apg only 0.9.. they are really simillar on defense in terms if steals and blocks.. and Their FT% is identical. Oh and Ben is a better rebounder and finisher around the rim. More effiecent overall.

He stacks up amazingly well to HS Lebron in stats,winning,playstyle. I have watched multiple HS games from both Lebron and Ben and can tell that they are as simmillar as MJ and Kobe. Ben has molded his game exactly after Lebrons and has actually the talent to become the "next Lebron" like Kobe became the "next MJ".

How was the competition though ? Lebron in high school must of been facing much tougher players. Wasn't Ben playing in Australia? and the competition there is supposedly not that strong. He's more Lamar Odom than Lebron. A motivated Lamar Odom that is.

[Marcus]

Initially, they'd try him at his best possible scenario, which is a wing in the same echelon of KD and LBJ just like what most peeps think of Wiggins prior to college. And I'm guessing that won't work since he doesn't possess that genius scoring skillset of those elite wings. He'll need that great ability to create off the dribble, great shooting touch and high FT rate game to make it work.

I think he'll eventually end up playing the Iguodala/Odom swiss knife forward who is a triple double threat when he's on the court. I just don't know how good he'll be in creating for his teammates on offense against NBA caliber wings. I just feel like he's most comfortable playing this role.

Worst case, he plays that Boris Diaw role as what "undefeated" mentioned, a playmaking 4 that is where the league is trending towards.

For now, he's got great length and unique skillset that allows him to have multiple options on what role he'll eventually play.

Where do you get that from?
comparing him to KD makes no sense style or skill wise.

Looking at Lebron out of HS.. there was no "genious scoring skillset" that screamed at you.

Ben and Lebron out of HS are actually very,very simillar. Lebrons jumper was just as suspect as Bens.. people where asking left and right "can he shoot good enough to play the wing?" or "What is his role gonna be passer or scorer?"

People are always lost in hindsight..

Lebron was actually compared to Magic most of the times. It was not clear that he would average 27ppg for his career at all. most people thought he would not have the scoring skill and mindset for that.

Ben and Lebrons HS Stats are also very simillar. Lebron lets compare their senior years:

Lebron: 30ppg 9.7rpg 4.9apg 2.9spg 1.9 bpg 56%fg 38%three 67%FT

Ben: 28ppg 12rpg 4apg 2.6spg 1.5bpg 66%FG 30%three 68%FT

Lebron has a slight advantage in 3pt% but 38% from HS three are still not that great

Their scoring is only 2ppg apart their apg only 0.9.. they are really simillar on defense in terms if steals and blocks.. and Their FT% is identical. Oh and Ben is a better rebounder and finisher around the rim. More effiecent overall.

He stacks up amazingly well to HS Lebron in stats,winning,playstyle. I have watched multiple HS games from both Lebron and Ben and can tell that they are as simmillar as MJ and Kobe. Ben has molded his game exactly after Lebrons and has actually the talent to become the "next Lebron" like Kobe became the "next MJ".

How was the competition though ? Lebron in high school must of been facing much tougher players. Wasn't Ben playing in Australia? and the competition there is supposedly not that strong.

Ben's been playing in the states for Monteverde (one of the best HS basketball programs in the nation) since his sophmore year. He helped lead them to a title his junior year with D'Angelo Russell and was THE GUY last year leading them to their 2nd straight title, they only lost one game last season, which was to Jaylen Brown's team in a mid-season tournament.

Not super familiar with the comp Bron played against. But Ben didn't just run over Aussie high schoolers like Exum did before he got drafted.

Outside of that also take a look at how he faired against his American counterparts in the HS All-Star games. Constantly looked like the best player on the floor even while guys were having breakout games.

[crazy_me_87]

^^ Ignorant comparison. It was clear LeBron had one in a LIFETIME athleticism, speed and strength. LeBron was the fastest player end end for many years. Ben is not in the same stratosphere. Ben will have to think the game more. As stated, its clear his career arch will be that of an Odom, iggy or Diaw, with potentially more scoring output

Ignorant overhyping and hindsight using of HIGHSCHOOL Lebron
Everybody knows i am a huge Lebron fan but people are just looking at Lebron now and think he was always his 2013 form
Lebron wasnt 265 coming out of HS.. he was 220 or 230. Ben is 6'10 and 240 wich is a very simillar body to rookie!! Lebron

If those measurements are true Ben IS in the same stratosphere athletically as Lebron.
It doesnt matter if Lebron has a higher Max Vert. Ben at 41'5 is still an elite jumper especially for a guy that tall.
And his 2.94 3/4 sprint would be nearly unhumanly fast. Even if its "just" 3.14 he would still be nearly as fast as John Wall.

Most scouts who know more about prospects than you and me say Ben could be the next Lebron or Magic.
But sure.. Odom.. Diaw.. Iggy...

Thats like if people called Anthony Davis the next Marcus Camby....
oh wait... that did happen.... sad world...

[NO-KG-AI]

^^ Ignorant comparison. It was clear LeBron had one in a LIFETIME athleticism, speed and strength. LeBron was the fastest player end end for many years. Ben is not in the same stratosphere. Ben will have to think the game more. As stated, its clear his career arch will be that of an Odom, iggy or Diaw, with potentially more scoring output

Ignorant overhyping and hindsight using of HIGHSCHOOL Lebron
Everybody knows i am a huge Lebron fan but people are just looking at Lebron now and think he was always his 2013 form
Lebron wasnt 265 coming out of HS.. he was 220 or 230. Ben is 6'10 and 240 wich is a very simillar body to rookie!! Lebron

If those measurements are true Ben IS in the same stratosphere athletically as Lebron.
It doesnt matter if Lebron has a higher Max Vert. Ben at 41'5 is still an elite jumper especially for a guy that tall.
And his 2.94 3/4 sprint would be nearly unhumanly fast. Even if its "just" 3.14 he would still be nearly as fast as John Wall.

Most scouts who know more about prospects than you and me say Ben could be the next Lebron or Magic.
But sure.. Odom.. Diaw.. Iggy...

Thats like if people called Anthony Davis the next Marcus Camby....
oh wait... that did happen.... sad world...

Err, LeBron was 245 fresh out of high school. He was clearly a far superior athlete in game than Ben. LeBron had MJ/Magic comparisons, and people can't figure out if Simmons is the next big thing or Boris Diaw.

School combines need to be taken with a massive grain of salt. I remember back in the day, Virginia tech would have someone that reportedly ran like a 4.0 40 yard dash every year

Ben is a nice prospect. He's no LeBron. He's more likely to be an undersized 4 that can't create full time from teh wing.

[Talent Chaser]

^^ Ignorant comparison. It was clear LeBron had one in a LIFETIME athleticism, speed and strength. LeBron was the fastest player end end for many years. Ben is not in the same stratosphere. Ben will have to think the game more. As stated, its clear his career arch will be that of an Odom, iggy or Diaw, with potentially more scoring output

Ignorant overhyping and hindsight using of HIGHSCHOOL Lebron
Everybody knows i am a huge Lebron fan but people are just looking at Lebron now and think he was always his 2013 form
Lebron wasnt 265 coming out of HS.. he was 220 or 230. Ben is 6'10 and 240 wich is a very simillar body to rookie!! Lebron

If those measurements are true Ben IS in the same stratosphere athletically as Lebron.
It doesnt matter if Lebron has a higher Max Vert. Ben at 41'5 is still an elite jumper especially for a guy that tall.
And his 2.94 3/4 sprint would be nearly unhumanly fast. Even if its "just" 3.14 he would still be nearly as fast as John Wall.

Most scouts who know more about prospects than you and me say Ben could be the next Lebron or Magic.
But sure.. Odom.. Diaw.. Iggy...

Thats like if people called Anthony Davis the next Marcus Camby....
oh wait... that did happen.... sad world...

man you need to stop with these comparisons. LeBron was in a completely different class athletically and skill wise than Simmons was in HS. LeBron also didn't have a hitch in his jumper out of high school, Simmons does. I just don't know how any sane person can make this Simmons-LeBron comparison. It isn't fair. Lebron was wiry, as quick as a cat, and could make any play on the court and never had a problem finishing through contact. Simmons struggles finishing at the rim, has major fundamental issues with his jumpshot, is not even close to as quick or as strong as LeBron was. Also, LeBron was as good of a leader as you can be at that stage. Please just go back and watch LeBron's HS highlights. His quickness, agility, handle, speed, and strength at that age was truly unique. Simmons isn't in the same class as a prospect, not even close. LeBron had a PHD level understanding of the game coming out of high school and is a basketball genius. Simmons will never live up to this comparison, nor should he be expected to. So please stop trying to shove it down everyone's throat. Please watch the video below and realize LeBron played a national high school schedule and made it look like his competition was a bunch of elementary school kids.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJ0MzIhrBz0[/youtube]

[Undefeated]

I'm always leery of prospects being compared to LeBron example being Bari being the most recent one.

[ImChillin01]

I'm always leery of prospects being compared to LeBron example being Bari being the most recent one.

Jabari was never compared to LeBron, he was recgnoized as best HS prospect since LeBron. Then Wiggins came a long and he was start getting recgnoized as best HS prospect since LeBron. Neither were compared to LeBron playstyle wise.

[Undefeated]

I'm always leery of prospects being compared to LeBron example being Bari being the most recent one.

Jabari was never compared to LeBron, he was recgnoized as best HS prospect since LeBron. Then Wiggins came a long and he was start getting recgnoized as best HS prospect since LeBron. Neither were compared to LeBron playstyle wise.

I'm aware of that SI cover. But there were comparisons of Bari being made to to LeBron which you can easily find. Let's not forget that Bari displayed incredible vision/playmaking as well in HS.

[Klomp]

I really need to stop watching highlight videos of Simmons because it will make the pain of probably not having the No. 1 pick again easier to bear.

Spoiler:

3:30 ridiculous!

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QHUt_Pmo1E[/youtube]

[crazy_me_87]

^^ Ignorant comparison. It was clear LeBron had one in a LIFETIME athleticism, speed and strength. LeBron was the fastest player end end for many years. Ben is not in the same stratosphere. Ben will have to think the game more. As stated, its clear his career arch will be that of an Odom, iggy or Diaw, with potentially more scoring output

Ignorant overhyping and hindsight using of HIGHSCHOOL Lebron
Everybody knows i am a huge Lebron fan but people are just looking at Lebron now and think he was always his 2013 form
Lebron wasnt 265 coming out of HS.. he was 220 or 230. Ben is 6'10 and 240 wich is a very simillar body to rookie!! Lebron

If those measurements are true Ben IS in the same stratosphere athletically as Lebron.
It doesnt matter if Lebron has a higher Max Vert. Ben at 41'5 is still an elite jumper especially for a guy that tall.
And his 2.94 3/4 sprint would be nearly unhumanly fast. Even if its "just" 3.14 he would still be nearly as fast as John Wall.

Most scouts who know more about prospects than you and me say Ben could be the next Lebron or Magic.
But sure.. Odom.. Diaw.. Iggy...

Thats like if people called Anthony Davis the next Marcus Camby....
oh wait... that did happen.... sad world...

man you need to stop with these comparisons. LeBron was in a completely different class athletically and skill wise than Simmons was in HS. LeBron also didn't have a hitch in his jumper out of high school, Simmons does. I just don't know how any sane person can make this Simmons-LeBron comparison. It isn't fair. Lebron was wiry, as quick as a cat, and could make any play on the court and never had a problem finishing through contact. Simmons struggles finishing at the rim, has major fundamental issues with his jumpshot, is not even close to as quick or as strong as LeBron was. Also, LeBron was as good of a leader as you can be at that stage. Please just go back and watch LeBron's HS highlights. His quickness, agility, handle, speed, and strength at that age was truly unique. Simmons isn't in the same class as a prospect, not even close. LeBron had a PHD level understanding of the game coming out of high school and is a basketball genius. Simmons will never live up to this comparison, nor should he be expected to. So please stop trying to shove it down everyone's throat. Please watch the video below and realize LeBron played a national high school schedule and made it look like his competition was a bunch of elementary school kids.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJ0MzIhrBz0[/youtube]

I dont need to stop anything. Its my opinion you dont have to agree with it but you cant tell me what to do.

And btw its not only my opinion. All NBA Scouts think the same. Its totally up to everybody to call EVERY NBA Scout incompetent.
I dont.

The things you write are just not what i am seeing. Lebron at Highschool is not in a totally different class as athlete. Both are elite athletes. Maybe Bron is a bit more elite but to me that is not important. Even if Ben only has 80% of Lebrons athletism he is still one of the most athletic Fowards in the NBA. Most importantly he is elite enough that his athletism remains a big strenght.
And Ben has no hitch in his shot he is just inconsistent. Look at Bens most recent material. He hits NBA Threes with ease. just not on an "great shooter" Level.

You are totally overhyping HS Lebron and undervaluing HS Ben. Ben does not struggle at the rim(66%FG wouldnt be possible) and he has NOT a broken jumpshot. and if the measurements are true he is comparably strong and fast to 18yo Lebron.
We have data to support that he is so you look bad acting like its fact he isnt.

Oh the leadership department: Well Ben is said to have Kobe Bryant mentality without the **** factor. He is possessed with winning and is said to go at Teammates who dont play Team ball and dont compete hard enough.

Ben has a BBIQ comparable to Lebron. He always looks by far like the most smart player on the court. He sees lanes like Lebron.

And i am not shoving down anything anyones throat i am just stating my opinion i formed after 15 years of analysing Wing Prospects and having developed a solid feel for when a guy is special. Ben is special. To what extent i dont know. Everybody is free to agree or disagree with me. And what are you doing. calling me to stop. calling me insane(and every NBA Scout btw^^).. who is trying to force what huh?

But everything tells me an elite athlete with great BBIQ,not broken! jumper and parts of Kobes work ethic is going to be huge.

Also stop freaking out so much. I NEVER said Ben could be as good as Lebron. I am comparing Ben to Lebron as Kobe to MJ. The stylistic heir and the "next" .. not quite as good but still a high tier HOFmer. Thats hardly the same as saying "He will be Lebron or even better"

[crazy_me_87]

^^ Ignorant comparison. It was clear LeBron had one in a LIFETIME athleticism, speed and strength. LeBron was the fastest player end end for many years. Ben is not in the same stratosphere. Ben will have to think the game more. As stated, its clear his career arch will be that of an Odom, iggy or Diaw, with potentially more scoring output

Ignorant overhyping and hindsight using of HIGHSCHOOL Lebron
Everybody knows i am a huge Lebron fan but people are just looking at Lebron now and think he was always his 2013 form
Lebron wasnt 265 coming out of HS.. he was 220 or 230. Ben is 6'10 and 240 wich is a very simillar body to rookie!! Lebron

If those measurements are true Ben IS in the same stratosphere athletically as Lebron.
It doesnt matter if Lebron has a higher Max Vert. Ben at 41'5 is still an elite jumper especially for a guy that tall.
And his 2.94 3/4 sprint would be nearly unhumanly fast. Even if its "just" 3.14 he would still be nearly as fast as John Wall.

Most scouts who know more about prospects than you and me say Ben could be the next Lebron or Magic.
But sure.. Odom.. Diaw.. Iggy...

Thats like if people called Anthony Davis the next Marcus Camby....
oh wait... that did happen.... sad world...

Err, LeBron was 245 fresh out of high school. He was clearly a far superior athlete in game than Ben. LeBron had MJ/Magic comparisons, and people can't figure out if Simmons is the next big thing or Boris Diaw.

School combines need to be taken with a massive grain of salt. I remember back in the day, Virginia tech would have someone that reportedly ran like a 4.0 40 yard dash every year

Ben is a nice prospect. He's no LeBron. He's more likely to be an undersized 4 that can't create full time from teh wing.

I dont get where that "far superior" athlete comes from? Both guys are freak athletes for their size. does it really matter that one is more freak than the other?

Ehm please go ahead and look at all NBA Draft Websites. Ben has Lebron/Magic comparisons all over the place. Not ONE NBA Scout is saying he is Boris Diaw. Thats only here from people hating on Ben.

And i know the measurements are to be taken carefully and i do. remeber everytime i mention them is start with "if true"

BTW even if he ends up a PF how is 6'10 240 undersized o.O?

[Rastas]

The haters are just getting in their final jabs now , no biggie , in a few months after Ben's had a few games in the NCAA they will either disappear or be joining the bandwagoners telling us how their fav NBA team is either tanking or doing some whiz bang trade to get a shot at that no1 pick!

[crazy_me_87]

The haters are just getting in their final jabs now , no biggie , in a few months after Ben's had a few games in the NCAA they will either disappear or be joining the bandwagoners telling us how their fav NBA team is either tanking or doing some whiz bang trade to get a shot at that no1 pick!

thanks nice to hear that i am not alone here^^

I think people are just nervous comparing him to Lebron because its a huge comparison.

But the thing is i dont know if Ben can ever be as good as Lebron. But to me it doesnt even matters. He is stylistically and with the combination of size,speed,strenght,athletism and BBIQ,Passing etc the closest thing to Lebron we had in 12 years. Thats enough for me. if he is quite as good is not the point. That he is the closest thing we've got is more than enough to excite me.

Also if and only if he truly has Kobe like mindset and will to win and work ethic does it even matter if he is only "Lebron lite" on paper?
Players with legendary work ethic usually overcome their weaknesses and exeed their expectations.

[splendidham]

You aren't alone. I don't think Ben is the second coming of Lebron though. Strangely I think he's a bit of a Jabari/Giannis hybrid. And just for interest sake, since many posters here are quite dubious of LSU's combine numbers, thought I'd ask everyone's opinion on this. Apparently Blakeney went for a 45' vertical. Any experts out there able to tell if this is accurate based on the linked pic?

https://twitter.com/LSUBasketball/status/623286218021679104/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw