Can Simmons play Center?

[mr. dee]

Everyone is talking about how versatile this kid is. We've seen guys like Magic and Lamar Odom play center on some occasions. The guy is averaging 11.8 RPG and is a 6'10 forward with bulk. Who knows, he may grow inch taller as he gets older and he's an explosive athlete. He can score on the post too and does have a good box out technique . I think he would thrive in today's small ball league. Steven's is know for crazy experiments and might try to do this if ever we landed him.

[Quetzalcoatl]

I think Stevens would have a field day with him

[slightly biased bias fan]

I think Stevens would have a field day with him

Exactly, I can't believe people here are saying Simmons will be a bust because he doesn't have a jump shot. You just have to look at Blake Griffin for what Simmons can do in his rookie year, especially with a coach like Stevens. Blake had no jump shot, no free throw and pretty average defence and averaged 22-12 his rookie year.

I feel like Simmons is getting some splash back hate for being associated with Lebron and that he was hugely hyped out of a rubbish college team...neither is his fault.

[loco_91]

Interesting question. I don't think Simmons has the toughness to play center against most matchups. One thing that most guys playing "up" a position have in common is that they are bad motherf--kers. Simmons doesn't fit the bill.

Still, he's a really awesome PF prospect. I've been getting more and more excited about him recently, and I won't be at all surprised if he turns out as the best player to enter the league since Anthony Davis.

[alldaboston]

I think Stevens would have a field day with him

Exactly, I can't believe people here are saying Simmons will be a bust because he doesn't have a jump shot. You just have to look at Blake Griffin for what Simmons can do in his rookie year, especially with a coach like Stevens. Blake had no jump shot, no free throw and pretty average defence and averaged 22-12 his rookie year.

I feel like Simmons is getting some splash back hate for being associated with Lebron and that he was hugely hyped out of a rubbish college team...neither is his fault.

I just think some people aren't too fond of his attitude, and wonder if he has the drive to want to improve and get better.

[Denis998]

What makes Simmons special is he can legitimately play all 5 positions.

[PhoSita]

In certain matchups, probably.

[Quetzalcoatl]

What makes Simmons special is he can legitimately play all 5 positions.

Maybe not shooting guard 

[Ilikesports17]

Interesting question. I don't think Simmons has the toughness to play center against most matchups. One thing that most guys playing "up" a position have in common is that they are bad motherf--kers. Simmons doesn't fit the bill.

Still, he's a really awesome PF prospect. I've been getting more and more excited about him recently, and I won't be at all surprised if he turns out as the best player to enter the league since Anthony Davis.

*Karl Towns

[max215]

He'll likely be a very good small ball 5, at least on offense. He'll be too quick and athletic for traditional bigs and too strong and big for smaller bigs. However, I'm not sure about his defensive ability; he lacks length and his effort is often questionable.

[max215]

I think Stevens would have a field day with him

He might be able to do more with Bender, but yeah, the thought of getting an athletic, versatile, two-way player into Brad's hands is exciting.

[DefenseWinsChamps]

If Kelly Olynyk can play center in some situations, or Blake, or Dirk, or Chris Bosh, or Josh Smith, or ...

Then Ben Simmons can in stretches. We'd need to double the post, but with Crowder, Bradley, and Smart on the court too, that defensive helter-skelter style would be pretty good.

[loco_91]

Interesting question. I don't think Simmons has the toughness to play center against most matchups. One thing that most guys playing "up" a position have in common is that they are bad motherf--kers. Simmons doesn't fit the bill.

Still, he's a really awesome PF prospect. I've been getting more and more excited about him recently, and I won't be at all surprised if he turns out as the best player to enter the league since Anthony Davis.

*Karl Towns

Towns is currently the best player to enter the NBA since AD, but I actually do think that Simmons has a chance to be even better. Not saying I'd trade Towns for Simmons, but there's a real chance Simmons is that good.

[Bastone]

I have always thought that Ben Simmons, esp. under someone like Brad Stevens would end up playing Center and revolutionize the position!!

[Ilikesports17]

Interesting question. I don't think Simmons has the toughness to play center against most matchups. One thing that most guys playing "up" a position have in common is that they are bad motherf--kers. Simmons doesn't fit the bill.

Still, he's a really awesome PF prospect. I've been getting more and more excited about him recently, and I won't be at all surprised if he turns out as the best player to enter the league since Anthony Davis.

*Karl Towns

Towns is currently the best player to enter the NBA since AD, but I actually do think that Simmons has a chance to be even better. Not saying I'd trade Towns for Simmons, but there's a real chance Simmons is that good.

Aha. I think Towns is better than Davis was his rookie year.