Ben Simmons 15 years to build around

[chambers]

I would be ecstatic if we got either Simmons or Ingram.  I think Ingram would be better for the next two years' teams, but Simmons could pass him by the time their rookie contracts are over.  Our current team needs both shooters and players who can penetrate the defense.  Ingram's shooting should translate a little more quickly than Simmons' penetration ability.  Ingram also has better defensive technique, but Simmons has the length and strength to be incredibly disruptive on that end.

I know people are down on Simmons' shooting, but look how effective Demar DeRozan is, despite being someone who only shoots above average at the rim.  Simmons only needs to become a mediocre jump shooter to be a star NBA player. Imagine DeRozan being four inches taller and a better passer -- wow!

With better handles and weighing 22 pounds more charging down the lane.
The kid is bigger than Lebron was as a rookie.
He's an absolute freak of nature.

[KG Living Legend]

I'd like to have a legit Center. That's the easiest way to improve this team drastically. Someone who is a legit 2-way threat and can score at will in the post and hit ft's.

 Quoting Bobby Knight. If you need a Center, play Simmons at Center.

[PhoSita]

If you want to get excited about Simmons, just watch some clips of Giannis running the point this year for the Bucks.

Imagine that with more shooting around him and better coaching.

[PhoSita]

Crowder is to good to put on the bench.

Unless the Celts also upgrade at SG and PF, I don't see Crowder going to the bench.

He covers multiple positions just fine and he's the 2nd best player on the team currently. 

[Denis998]

Whats the point in staying in meaningless classes that he is probably going to fail. Sitting courtside in numerous basketball games seems way more fun.

[walker834]

I am not a fan of Bill Simmons.  I think he caters to the average dingo and popular opinion. I am a fan of Ben Simmons and under Brad Stevens he could do wonders.  Ainge has been saying we become stagnant at times and Simmons would cure that.  He isn't the end all be all and there are other ways to do that, but Ainge had he gotten Durant in the draft would have gone that direction.  I think you get a shot at a guy to build with for 15 years it's hard to trade that.  With free agency and everything it's different but Bird rights still give teams options.  Players like Tom Brady are becoming more and more rare though, but from the celtics perspective if we land a top player we'd want him to be that for a long time here.   I prefer Ben Simmons over Durant now for that reason. KG was great but Simmons would be better for this team.  We are a young team that plays with a lot of heart.

He isn't the end all be all though. Ainge has been talking to teams and has this stuff mapped out in ways and which option is best. There are other ways to add scoring.  We need size in matchups.   But Simmons would be a guy I would target.  He is both.

He's young. He'd be on a rookie deal where we can add other pieces in other ways. He is better than Durant in that regard.

[gift]

I have a crazy notion for you.

Say Philadelphia gets the 3rd pick, and we get the first. Would you be willing to trade the #1 overall for Joel Embiid and the 3rd? I understand the injury concerns, but he has the potential to be the Center you are looking for.

Don't tempt me! I dare not take this trade. Understand, I would use this trade from a desire to do good. But through me, it would wield a power too great and terrible to imagine.

[Yoki_IsTheName]

I have a crazy notion for you.

Say Philadelphia gets the 3rd pick, and we get the first. Would you be willing to trade the #1 overall for Joel Embiid and the 3rd? I understand the injury concerns, but he has the potential to be the Center you are looking for.

Don't tempt me! I dare not take this trade. Understand, I would use this trade from a desire to do good. But through me, it would wield a power too great and terrible to imagine.

I don't know if Philly will do this, but I would. I really would.