Who's a better prospect, Wiggins or Simmons?

[JSD]

I'm curious what some of the guru's on this board have to say.

[tarheelsxxiii]

Guru of nothing, but Simmons... complete package. Questions regarding his "aggression," "position" and "shot" don't hold much water for me. What does, though, are his all-around skill set, fundamentals (esp defense), size, and feel for the game. Not often do you enjoy watching a 19 y/o because of the way he plays the game, but his approach is beautiful.

[TA9]

They are both good prospects, but based on what I have seen from Simmons; I would definitely choose him over Wiggins.
Wiggins has a tendency to fade out of games at times, whereas Simmons is a complete package who manages to contribute even on an off night.

Wouldn't mind either on the C's though !

[gift]

Simmons. Much more skilled and intelligent though not quite as athletic (who is?).

[chambers]

Wiggins.
Simmons has a massive hole to plug with his literally disgusting jumpshot technique.
He's going to have restructure and get his footwork and form completely reset.

Wiggins is already taking over games at will at times.
Dunno where this questioning his 'heart' is. If you've watched 5 Minny games this year you'd see how much he's attacking the basket with that snake dribble and reverse spin to the basket.

Wiggins is one of those Westbrook/Griffin/Gerald Green type athletes of the highest caliber.

Simmons sketchy numbers at LSU combine are nice, but he's not on the same level as the guys above.

Wiggins has the potential to be the best player in the world. He's 20 years old for god's sake. Just watch as many highlights of the Wolves as you can because he is killing it after the first few games weren't as good.

[Smitty77]

Who is this Ivan Rabb kid?  Anyone seen him play??

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/3917378/ivan-rabb

Smitty77

[Smitty77]

What about Stephen Zimmerman?  Never seen him!!

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/3936102/stephen-zimmerman-jr.

Smitty77

[nickagneta]

Wiggins has proven himself to be able to be a superstar at the NBA level. He is going to be in the top 5 in scoring in this league for a decade.

Simmons has proven he can dominate and look like a superstar against pathetic competition. Wiggins did the same thing.

I think Simmons has the potential to be something special. Not necessarily will he be better than Wiggins, but I think their stars could be just as high, eventually. Quite different players. That has to be accounted for.

[Smitty77]

What about going for a seasoned senior such as Caris Levert?

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/61810/caris-levert

Does anyone know if he just has a skinny frame or could he put on some weight quickly to be a SF at the next level and not horribly affect his shot??

Smitty77

[tazzmaniac]

What about Stephen Zimmerman?  Never seen him!!

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/3936102/stephen-zimmerman-jr.

Smitty77

I've only seen him once, around a year ago, and wasn't impressed.  The event had several top high school teams with good prospects (Brown, Rabb, Bacon, ...).  Zimmermann seemed overmatched by the athleticism and physicality.  He played more of a finesse game but didn't seem like a particularly good shooter.  It was only one game but I'd be surprised if he develops enough to come out this draft. 

[Tr1boy]

Simmons. Much more skilled and intelligent though not quite as athletic (who is?).

This

[Smitty77]

What about Stephen Zimmerman?  Never seen him!!

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/3936102/stephen-zimmerman-jr.

Smitty77

I've only seen him once, around a year ago, and wasn't impressed.  The event had several top high school teams with good prospects (Brown, Rabb, Bacon, ...).  Zimmermann seemed overmatched by the athleticism and physicality.  He played more of a finesse game but didn't seem like a particularly good shooter.  It was only one game but I'd be surprised if he develops enough to come out this draft.

Great info!!  Thanks much!!

Smitty77

[gift]

Wiggins has the potential to be the best player in the world. He's 20 years old for god's sake.

I won't disagree with the potential since, as you say, he's only 20. But with Towns now in Minny, it's likely Wiggins is only going to be the second best player on his team.

What other player ever with Wiggins' skill set was the best player in the world at any time. The best players in the world are always the ones with high skill level (recent examples: Lebron, Curry, Durant, Kobe, Duncan etc.). Even other recent stars with comparable athleticism like McGrady and Vince Carter were more skilled. Conversely, there are many players with extreme athleticism and a few dominant moves that turn out to be more serviceable to good, than great. If Wiggins is ever the best in the world it will be because he changes his game, not just improves what he already does well.

I think Wiggins will be an All Star and he may always be better than Simmons. But as prospects I think Simmons is the better bet.