Does Simmons' draft value fall after this week?

[straightouttabahstun]

What do you think now that LSU is done and we've seen that he sort of checks out sometimes. Ingram is making a lot of noise as of late. Do you think Simmons is still taken at #1? Or how about if the Celtics get the #1 pick (pipe dream I know). Do you guys think Danny wants a player like that?

[Snakehead]

I still think he goes 1 because of how poorly LSU has done with some of it's NBA prospects and the fact that he is so much more suited to NBA play.  With a good PG, more spacing, and the transition game in the pros he could look so much better than he does there at LSU.  But I wouldn't be shocked if Ingram goes 1 and he goes 2.  I can see the arguments and I do like Ingram.  But he has been up and down some as well.

Of course, always the chance Bender impresses a ton at work outs too and I feel like after Porzingis there is less of a stigma about the European big man.  But I would still take Simmons because of mostly the reasons I mentioned above.  I think his strengths are so good and will only be bigger assets at the pro level.  I think he will learn to shoot.  He is primed to be ridiculously good in transition in the pros and that just doesn't show at the college level.  I think he could be fantastic in the pick and roll with a good PG.  And he should get the chance to handle the ball more and with spacing that will allow him to operate and use his passing.

LSU really accentuated all his flaws due to different factors.  I think on other teams he could have looked better all year.  And the reality is, as of a few weeks ago (I haven't checked updated stats), he was actually more productive in college than pretty much all the recent one and done players people think so highly of, like Durant, Love, and Davis.  He's one of those players where the flaw is glaring enough that people jump over the strengths he has sometimes.  I think he is incredibly underrated as a rebounder for example.  I hardly ever see people bring his great rebounding numbers up.

[lefty12]

Shouldn't have to make excuses for truly great player

He may still go #1 - but he not going to impact anybody's franchise next year - or anytime soon

[KG Living Legend]

 He goes #1 still.

[Kuberski33]

If he's struggling this much with a crappy college team, how's he going to do on a crappy pro team?

[loco_91]

Simmons goes #1 still. He's put up fantastic stats this year and it's hard to blame him for being frustrated with his mediocre team - was just a poor decision to attend LSU. He'd probably dominate even more if he was on a good team with an above-average coach - for example Jarrell Martin and Jordan Mickey, both on an underperforming LSU squad last year, were drafted too low. As it is, Simmons was extremely impressive this year. He was efficient on high volume with a .600TS% on 26.4% usage (and 19ppg). He put up a .27 AST% (although with a .17 TOV%) that likely would've been even more ridiculous with better teammates, and he was a very good rebounder (.18 TRB%). His shot isn't broken, as he shot 67% on a large volume of FTs, which is not bad for a PF. He also was good defensively, and he collected a good number of steals and blocks (3.1%, 2.5%).

Ingram has been great too, but he doesn't have quite the franchise-level upside that Simmons has, and at this point it's hard to see Simmons failing to be an all-star even if his jumpshot doesn't progress at all.

[Denis998]

depends on the team to get a feeling for it. Philly might consider Ingram, adding yet another big in Simmons might not boil over well. If the suns win the lottery, its almost a sure thing they draft Ben.

[SparzWizard]

Got a few Lakers friends calling Simmons a bust and would rather go for Ingram or Bender.

[Celtics18]

What's up with LSU turning down the NIT?  Is that common practice for NCAA teams?

I hate it.  Keep playing if you're invited.  I've got a word for that team that I can't print on CelticsBlog. 

I blame Simmons.  If their young superstar had gone to his coach and said "I want to play in the NIT," and rallied his teammates, that team would be playing in the consolation tournament.  This stinks of sore-loser-i-ness.

He'll be the number one pick in June, though.  Luckily, our Celtics probably won't get the number one pick.

[Denis998]

What's up with LSU turning down the NIT?  Is that common practice for NCAA teams?

I hate it.  Keep playing if you're invited.  I've got a word for that team that I can't print on CelticsBlog. 

I blame Simmons.  If their young superstar had gone to his coach and said "I want to play in the NIT," and rallied his teammates, that team would be playing in the consolation tournament.  This stinks of sore-loser-i-ness.

He'll be the number one pick in June, though.  Luckily, our Celtics probably won't get the number one pick.

I doubt the players or their coach are running what the schools team decides to do. That decision probably lies with the athletic director

[alldaboston]

Leaning towards not taking Simmons if we get the first pick. I think Ingram or Murray can be better pro players.

[BornReady]

He goes 1
Unless Ingram really shows off what he can do in ncaa tournament
It is still possible

[Adelaide Celt]

Some of these criticisms of Simmons are nothing short of laughable. He's going at #1 - end of story and he will impact whichever franchise is lucky enough to draft him the second he walks through the door. By all means kid yourself otherwise if it makes you feel better though.

[Celtics4ever]

He is going to be the number one pick, he is talented but he is passive a great time as a player.  The fact that he produced like he did without looking like he gave any effort shows that he has an immense talent level.   Will he ever realize it fully being that passive?

[acieEarl]

Yes his draft value does decrease. I still think he goes 1, but maybe Philly or LA would consider trading that #1 for a #4 and multiple picks now.

Still at 1 mostly because this draft is so weak. Possible for Ingram to have a huge tournament and to over take Simmons, but Duke would have to at least get to the final 4.