I worry about Simmons, even beyond his lack of shooting. I'm fairly prejudiced against guys who can't maintain academic eligibility, and he failed to really elevate his team against lower level competition.
Plus, completely unfairly, the last guy to come along with a similar skill and flaw set (although lesser) was Royce White.
Well, other than being a far more elite athlete, ball-handler and passer and NOT having the same diagnosed psychological issues, sure. A reasonable comp...
Nah. Maybe not.
Personally, I gave up on 'academic' concerns with the advent of the one-and-done system.
These kids are unfairly forced to partake in the NCAA system because of arbitrary rules.
How were Kobe's college grades? How about KG's? Amir?
Arguably, Simmons would have been better served following a path similar to Mudiay's and just played pro ball for a year in the D-League or internationally before entering the draft. He made the mistake of going to LSU because one of the coaches there is a close friend of his father. Not necessarily the best basis for choosing a school, but not really an uncommon mistake with young people.