Official Draft Thread 2015-16

[KJandHondo35]

So you're not turned off at all by Simmons willingness to completely not give any effort defensively in big spots? For me it's hard to look past when this team is for the most part about leaving it all out there on that end. Not everybody on this team are great defensively but they all try (maybe minus Sullinger), there's just so many times I've seen Simmons just not give a f***.

Simmons doesn't do it for me at this point. Seems like he buys his own hype too much. Doesn't play with enough intensity for someone who cannot shoot a lick.

Don't see him scoring big-time on the next level right now and he absolutely needs to have the rock in his hands to do anything - no off the ball skills whatsoever.

You surround him with shooters at every other position and let him playmake - thats his best role right now. But his shot is completely **** broken - he cannot shoot the basketball - and I don't know a single big time scorer who doesn't hit 3's to soften the D for his drives.

If Simmons doesnt "do it" for you, then I dont know what does. Best prospect in years

I'll re-evaluate my thoughts when he actually plays a real NCAA team but honestly him beasting McNeese St. and Kennesaw St. in the fashion he did isn't making me anoint him as the next Magic. Odom Jr. is still very much in play, which isn't bad, just isn't a transcendent player. You really can't yet based on the current competition, if you want to just be able to "say" you had the take first... kudos I guess.

[DK-All Day]

Why did Simmons have to go to LSU? We'll rarely see him go against big schools like Duke, Kansas and other big schools like tonight. The only good teams LSU play are Kentucky and Oklahoma. Such a shame.

BTW Last Night:

[PierceFan4ever]

Jay Bilas just said on PTI that Ben Simmons is the best overall talent he's seen since Lebron James.

[shawn unkempt]

I want to see him play against a competitive team before I completely buy into the hype.

[Curmudgeon]

I want to see him play against a competitive team before I completely buy into the hype.

LeBron was playing against the likes of Shaker Heights and St. Ignatius Prep, so sometimes the quality of the opposition is secondary to the player's talent.

[brackdan70]

Skal and Ingram kind of meh tonight on the big stage. Murray though!!! I like this guy, we need another Combo guard right??

[DK-All Day]

Skal and Ingram kind of meh tonight on the big stage. Murray though!!! I like this guy, we need another Combo guard right??

Just take BPA. I like Murray also. He's solidifying himself as a top 5 pick.

[London2Boston]

Why did Simmons have to go to LSU? We'll rarely see him go against big schools like Duke, Kansas and other big schools like tonight. The only good teams LSU play are Kentucky and Oklahoma. Such a shame.

BTW Last Night:

Should have probably for stripped when he first touched the ball just after the behind the back move tbf. Nice move though.

[Falstaff]

I haven't seen nearly enough of Simmons to have an opinion, but in response to the complaints about his shooting: people do remember that Lebron couldn't really shoot when he was drafted either, right?

[brackdan70]

Skal and Ingram kind of meh tonight on the big stage. Murray though!!! I like this guy, we need another Combo guard right??

Just take BPA. I like Murray also. He's solidifying himself as a top 5 pick.

yes I totally agree, we are still in BPA mode.....but I really want 3 or a 5...though Stevens is showing us tat a team of combo guards, stretch 4s and Crowder can get 'er done.

[Patsfan1081]

Skal and Ingram kind of meh tonight on the big stage. Murray though!!! I like this guy, we need another Combo guard right??

Skal was pretty good, he just got into foul trouble early and couldn't get into a flow. Ingram just looks really raw still. He needs to develope his shot and put on weight still. He most likely won't look to good early on vs the better teams where he cant use his length and athlectism to score. Murray will be a top three pick, his handles are sick and looks pretty polished offensively.

[Patsfan1081]

I'm not getting my hopes up on Skal or Simmons, I'm more into watching guys like Poeltl, Stone, Newman, and maybe Ellison.

[KJandHondo35]

Ingram did not have a great game at all. He made a few plays that intrigued me but overall couldn't stay on the court because of fouls and really wasn't able to insert himself. He still intrigues me because he just has that freak quality but just super raw at this point.

Skal similarly got into foul trouble but he played a solid game, if we don't get that #1 he would still be a very valuable addition to the Celtics. He's got a Noel vibe to him but has a bit more offensive touch.

Simmons in comparison does play with a calmness that either Ingram or Skal didn't have. Even tho the competition has been trash he is a commanding player so that's good. He's done the best obviously. His skill set (minus shooting) really suits this team, perfect forward to pair with a Smart/Jae/AB. He's pretty much a super version of Evan Turner.

Murry didn't blow me away tbh, made a couple good plays but I don't think he's a top 5 guy.

[BfB]

What if all he is IS Evan Turner?

BOS needs a dominant scorer - I don't see how Simmons fits that mold. The LeBron comp is way off, he is worse shooter, but he is also much less of a physical presence. LeBron was abusing people with his body from jumpstreet - same with Griffin.

Simmons does not initiate contact, fight for position, or generally agress anyone with his body - i just dont think that's something you teach, its instinctual.

Freak Athlete with unbelievable skill level, but not a shooter and doesn't apply himself on the defensive end - not talking about steals/blocks, but watch his effort level off ball, fighting through screens, getting and staying in a stance - again, not something I think you teach.

He's just alarmingly soft in his approach for a player of his physical attributes. Maybe the challenge just hasn't been great enough for him, but when he's played in the few big games in his life you'd expect to see some dawg come out and it hasn't.

My guess is that he'll put up great stats at LSU but won't be able will his team to big wins come NCAA time or during close regular season games - kinda like Wiggins. Unfortunately, Wiggins is a natural scorer, so his inconsistent agression is compensated more easily.

The mentality of BOS players could really help pressure Simmons to apply himself more frequently when instincts have him in cruise control, i just worry about the combination of skills and will relative to team needs.

[Edug27]

What if all he is IS Evan Turner?

BOS needs a dominant scorer - I don't see how Simmons fits that mold. The LeBron comp is way off, he is worse shooter, but he is also much less of a physical presence. LeBron was abusing people with his body from jumpstreet - same with Griffin.

Simmons does not initiate contact, fight for position, or generally agress anyone with his body - i just dont think that's something you teach, its instinctual.

Freak Athlete with unbelievable skill level, but not a shooter and doesn't apply himself on the defensive end - not talking about steals/blocks, but watch his effort level off ball, fighting through screens, getting and staying in a stance - again, not something I think you teach.

He's just alarmingly soft in his approach for a player of his physical attributes. Maybe the challenge just hasn't been great enough for him, but when he's played in the few big games in his life you'd expect to see some dawg come out and it hasn't.

My guess is that he'll put up great stats at LSU but won't be able will his team to big wins come NCAA time or during close regular season games - kinda like Wiggins. Unfortunately, Wiggins is a natural scorer, so his inconsistent agression is compensated more easily.

The mentality of BOS players could really help pressure Simmons to apply himself more frequently when instincts have him in cruise control, i just worry about the combination of skills and will relative to team needs.

So with all of that said, who is this dominant scorer you prefer Boston to draft over Simmons if given the chance?

[bucknersrevenge]

I know one thing about Simmons. If we do draft him he essentially upgrades Turner's role on this team. Non-shooter(at least right now) but good ballhandler that can get to spots but longer, WAY more athletic and at least AS good defensively. Fits into CBS' positionless basketball pace and space program. Playing someone like him with Smart and Bradley or Hunter would be ideal. Add in Amir and Bae and you have a really unselfish athletic defensive group that will be even better at turning turnovers into points at the other end.

EDIT: clearly I did not scroll up to see what had already been posted as several people came to my revelation ages ago. In regard to him being just Turner I think he's better finisher than Turner now. I think he'll be a better defender than Turner will be. As for his shot. If he plays the 3/4 I think he'll have the speed and length to create mismatches at his position. As for his physicality, he hasn't needed to be thus far. We'll see what a tourney run does to him.

[lon3lytoaster]

What if all he is IS Evan Turner?

BOS needs a dominant scorer - I don't see how Simmons fits that mold. The LeBron comp is way off, he is worse shooter, but he is also much less of a physical presence. LeBron was abusing people with his body from jumpstreet - same with Griffin.

Simmons does not initiate contact, fight for position, or generally agress anyone with his body - i just dont think that's something you teach, its instinctual.

Freak Athlete with unbelievable skill level, but not a shooter and doesn't apply himself on the defensive end - not talking about steals/blocks, but watch his effort level off ball, fighting through screens, getting and staying in a stance - again, not something I think you teach.

He's just alarmingly soft in his approach for a player of his physical attributes. Maybe the challenge just hasn't been great enough for him, but when he's played in the few big games in his life you'd expect to see some dawg come out and it hasn't.

My guess is that he'll put up great stats at LSU but won't be able will his team to big wins come NCAA time or during close regular season games - kinda like Wiggins. Unfortunately, Wiggins is a natural scorer, so his inconsistent agression is compensated more easily.

The mentality of BOS players could really help pressure Simmons to apply himself more frequently when instincts have him in cruise control, i just worry about the combination of skills and will relative to team needs.

So with all of that said, who is this dominant scorer you prefer Boston to draft over Simmons if given the chance?

I'm completely withholding judgment on the top-4 in terms of my preference and ranking but Brandon Ingram and Jaylen Brown are likely going to be capable scorers. Ingram is really raw right now and Brown measures a bit short but I'm thoroughly intrigued by both.

[brackdan70]

Why did Simmons have to go to LSU? We'll rarely see him go against big schools like Duke, Kansas and other big schools like tonight. The only good teams LSU play are Kentucky and Oklahoma. Such a shame.

BTW Last Night:

Vandy, Marquette, Tex A&M also decent. Their schedule really isn't that week.

[robbie84]

Right now if we land at around pick #4 or #5 I want Jaylen Brown over anyone.
This guy is going to be an absolute NBA stud.
Has the killer instinct and athleticism and plays hard on both ends.
Put him next to Smart and Crowder and watch us contend.

[BfB]

What if all he is IS Evan Turner?

BOS needs a dominant scorer - I don't see how Simmons fits that mold. The LeBron comp is way off, he is worse shooter, but he is also much less of a physical presence. LeBron was abusing people with his body from jumpstreet - same with Griffin.

Simmons does not initiate contact, fight for position, or generally agress anyone with his body - i just dont think that's something you teach, its instinctual.

Freak Athlete with unbelievable skill level, but not a shooter and doesn't apply himself on the defensive end - not talking about steals/blocks, but watch his effort level off ball, fighting through screens, getting and staying in a stance - again, not something I think you teach.

He's just alarmingly soft in his approach for a player of his physical attributes. Maybe the challenge just hasn't been great enough for him, but when he's played in the few big games in his life you'd expect to see some dawg come out and it hasn't.

My guess is that he'll put up great stats at LSU but won't be able will his team to big wins come NCAA time or during close regular season games - kinda like Wiggins. Unfortunately, Wiggins is a natural scorer, so his inconsistent agression is compensated more easily.

The mentality of BOS players could really help pressure Simmons to apply himself more frequently when instincts have him in cruise control, i just worry about the combination of skills and will relative to team needs.

So with all of that said, who is this dominant scorer you prefer Boston to draft over Simmons if given the chance?

Really don't see one right now among the lottery guys. I'm sure someone will emerge, but this doesn't look like the draft to get your future franchise player from.

I said previously, I'd be looking to leverage this pick into something else right now. If not, I'd take a long look at flipping it to a **** team that looks like a lotto lock next year for there unprotected 1st next year and swap rights in 2018.

Again, this draft was projected to be underwhelming and its fairly obvious why - there is no easily projectable superstar player in this draft and most look like their safest projectable ceiling is "starter" level.

I like Bender's potential as a "Skilled Big" in the mold of a Mirotic type, but not comfortable going off his current body of work to select him as a franchise changer.

My goal - figure out a way to leverage 2016 picks into as many cracks at the 2017 draft as possible, targeting Jayson Tatum and Harry Giles.