Ben Simmons

[Eddie20]

Bleacher-

Retired NBA great Tracy McGrady appeared alongside Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns on ESPN’s The Jump Friday and revealed some gossip about the potential No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA draft. McGrady and Towns apparently watched Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night in a suite with NBA legends Vince Carter and Bill Russell. McGrady praised Towns for his respectful demeanor, but he also called out another player who was in the suite. “There was one guy that just walked in there and acted like he didn’t know nobody,” McGrady told The Jump host Rachel Nichols. McGrady never mentioned Ben Simmons by name, but he did say, “They say he might be the No. 1 pick.”

[hpantazo]

I don't know, Simmons doesn't strike me as an arrogant kid at all. It may have been that he was too shy to talk much to those guys. It can be intimidating walking into a room of NBA legends when you're a teenager.

[Eddie20]

I don't know, Simmons doesn't strike me as an arrogant kid at all. It may have been that he was too shy to talk much to those guys. It can be intimidating walking into a room of NBA legends when you're a teenager.

Initially I didn't think so, but yesterday they were playing the McDonalds All-American game from last year and during the interview he sort of rubbed me the wrong way.

You also start hearing all the talk about him coasting too much and you have to wonder if the attention he's received has gotten to him. Some can handle it, others can't. We'll see. 

[jambr380]

Yeah, he's trash - I guess this means he'll be slipping to #3 - bummer 

Simmons doesn't necessarily strike me as arrogant, but he does seem to put his basketball interests first with everything else in the world coming second. Just because he isn't overly social doesn't make him a diva - it may, in fact, make him the opposite.

[Eddie20]

Yeah, he's trash - I guess this means he'll be slipping to #3 - bummer 

Simmons doesn't necessarily strike me as arrogant, but he does seem to put his basketball interests first with everything else in the world coming second. Just because he isn't overly social doesn't make him a diva - it may, in fact, make him the opposite.

Not sure about that. This also coincides with what Rex Champman said about him a few weeks ago.

Former NBA executive Rex Chapman went on the Dan Patrick show Thursday and said LSU forward Ben Simmons may have some immaturity issues that potentially frighten some teams.

''He's a great talent, great passer and knows the game,'' said Chapman, a former NBA player who served four years as the Denver Nuggets' vice president of player personnel from 2006-10. ''But I think if you ask people around LSU, around the league; he's got some immaturity issues, and I think that's what frightens teams a little bit.

''I think more so off the court. I think his game is a little more mature than his age for sure, but I think there are questions about his ability to be a really good teammate.''

[Eddie20]

From Jonathan Givony

https://sports.yahoo.com/news/why-ben-simmons-isn-t-the-top-prospect-in-the-2016-nba-draft-190023711.html

1. Simmons’ lack of competitiveness in some crucial games has raised questions about his character as a basketball player. While many top picks succumb to the NBA star lifestyle and emerge as average competitors, it’s rare to see that at the collegiate level. From Blake Griffin to Michael Beasley to Carmelo Anthony, those elite college players were rarely questioned about their drive during their collegiate careers. Simmons has displayed an apathy for defense, contact and delivering winning plays in crucial moments. Those troubling revelations in Simmons’ game are cause for concern among decision-makers on lottery teams with whom we’ve had contact.

Here’s what NBA teams wonder: If Simmons cares so little about winning crucial college road games at Tennessee or Kentucky that could have delivered LSU to the NCAA tournament, how much will he consistently care about competing over a far more physically and mentally draining 82-game pro season? Truth be told, Simmons will almost assuredly be on a bad team that will need to fight every night to win games.

2. Simmons’ box scores have grown increasingly hollow. One NBA executive described him as a “taller Rajon Rondo, a more athletic Evan Turner, or a skinnier Royce White.” Simmons has displayed a penchant for stat-mongering like few players in recent memory, seeming to pad his numbers in blowouts. At times, it appears he only passes when guaranteed an assist and chases home-run plays at inopportune times in search of a highlight. Simmons seems to value those things over winning.

Simmons’ porous defense is masked by his gaudy steal and block numbers. But when watching him closely, it’s clear that no opposing player or coach fears attacking him. As Simmons rarely makes the effort to close out on shooters, put a body on opposing big men, or offer much beyond gambling wildly swiping for steals, his lack of intensity is amplified. He has wonderful anticipation skills as a rebounder and will wow you with his instincts in passing lanes. But overall, Simmons hasn’t shown the length, toughness and inclination to emerge as an asset on the defensive end.

Simmons’ short wingspan (measured 6-foot-11 at the Nike Hoop Summit in April and the Nike Skills Academy in June) won’t help him play power forward on an NBA lottery team. To make up for his lack of length, he’ll have to display a much higher activity level than what he’s shown in college.

3. The report on defending Simmons in the half-court is well known and has been utilized effectively in recent weeks. Teams are putting smaller players on Simmons, backing off him and daring him to shoot. Simmons seems to have zero confidence in his outside shot and becomes passive when guarded this way.

For his size (6-10), Simmons is a gifted ball-handler. He has an incredible ability to change speeds, get to the rim and finish in transition. In the half-court, things haven’t been quite as easy against better teams, particularly late in games. There are real questions about pairing Simmons with other ball-handlers or non-shooters in the NBA. Does drafting Simmons in the high lottery mean a team needs to trade the likes of D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, Jahlil Okafor or Dario Saric?

4. The concerns about Simmons’ character didn’t magically appear the moment he arrived on campus in Baton Rouge. Those sentiments also have been expressed by members of the Australian national team who have spent time with him at the junior and senior levels. Australian players and coaches who have been around him don’t speak about him in flattering terms, calling him “the Yank” to highlight how different he is compared with most of the players from that country, and perhaps highlight how much moving to the United States at a young age and immersing himself in the AAU world has shaped him.

Those who know him best say he needs things to revolve around him on and off the court and that he's often been close-minded to coaching or instruction. Can all this be blamed on LSU? Check out the “mentality” section of Simmons’ “weaknesses” breakdown.

The uncertainty surrounding Simmons has cleared the way for Duke forward Brandon Ingram to be considered the No. 1 overall prospect.

Ingram is 14 months younger than Simmons, has a longer wingspan by four inches and a standing reach six and a half inches higher. Ingram is a better shooter – which is perhaps the most important skill in today’s NBA – and has shown a much better trajectory throughout the college season. The intel on Ingram as a teammate and competitor has been much stronger than Simmons’. Yes, Ingram has a much more frail frame now, but it’s easy to envision him filling out as he ages and matures.

There is still plenty of time for Simmons to improve his approach to the game and reach his potential. Although he's not the generational talent he's been sold as by some, he's a unique prospect who could emerge as an incredible asset to a team down the road if he's willing to address his flaws.

If Simmons had a far stronger preliminary case in November to become the No. 1 overall pick in June, our recent conversations with NBA executives have offered a far different reality for Simmons. There may never be a consensus choice for the first pick in this draft, but make no mistake: The debate is on, and the overhyping of Simmons has made its reckoning. Ingram has played himself into the debate, and it promises to rage into late June.

[86MaxwellSmart]

Bill Simmons' son is named Ben.

[jpotter33]

Yep, could totally see this being an issue with him. I've long thought he had some character/ego issues.

[hpantazo]

"One NBA executive described him as a “taller Rajon Rondo, a more athletic Evan Turner, or a skinnier Royce White.”"

Yikes!!!

[chiken Green]

I know we have to take him if he is there but I fear drafting this kid.. I dont see the Fight in him thats needed to excell in this league.. but what can you do...

[KG Living Legend]

Yeah, he's trash - I guess this means he'll be slipping to #3 - bummer 

Simmons doesn't necessarily strike me as arrogant, but he does seem to put his basketball interests first with everything else in the world coming second. Just because he isn't overly social doesn't make him a diva - it may, in fact, make him the opposite.

Not sure about that. This also coincides with what Rex Champman said about him a few weeks ago.

Former NBA executive Rex Chapman went on the Dan Patrick show Thursday and said LSU forward Ben Simmons may have some immaturity issues that potentially frighten some teams.

''He's a great talent, great passer and knows the game,'' said Chapman, a former NBA player who served four years as the Denver Nuggets' vice president of player personnel from 2006-10. ''But I think if you ask people around LSU, around the league; he's got some immaturity issues, and I think that's what frightens teams a little bit.

''I think more so off the court. I think his game is a little more mature than his age for sure, but I think there are questions about his ability to be a really good teammate.''

you

 He's the exact opposite of the guy we will regretfully take Jaylen Brown.

 Brown is super intelligent, mature, worldly, and captain of the chess team type. While he's a basketball moron IMO.

 Simmons is like a shy little baby off the court, a Diva, Spoiled brat. On the court he's Albert Einstein at 19 years old. Go figure.

[alldaboston]

Yep, could totally see this being an issue with him. I've long thought he had some character/ego issues.

Same. He just strikes me differently. Kinda weird

[hpantazo]

Yeah, he's trash - I guess this means he'll be slipping to #3 - bummer 

Simmons doesn't necessarily strike me as arrogant, but he does seem to put his basketball interests first with everything else in the world coming second. Just because he isn't overly social doesn't make him a diva - it may, in fact, make him the opposite.

Not sure about that. This also coincides with what Rex Champman said about him a few weeks ago.

Former NBA executive Rex Chapman went on the Dan Patrick show Thursday and said LSU forward Ben Simmons may have some immaturity issues that potentially frighten some teams.

''He's a great talent, great passer and knows the game,'' said Chapman, a former NBA player who served four years as the Denver Nuggets' vice president of player personnel from 2006-10. ''But I think if you ask people around LSU, around the league; he's got some immaturity issues, and I think that's what frightens teams a little bit.

''I think more so off the court. I think his game is a little more mature than his age for sure, but I think there are questions about his ability to be a really good teammate.''

you

 He's the exact opposite of the guy we will regretfully take Jaylen Brown.

 Brown is super intelligent, mature, worldly, and captain of the chess team type. While he's a basketball moron IMO.

 Simmons is like a shy little baby off the court, a Diva, Spoiled brat. On the court he's Albert Einstein at 19 years old. Go figure.

Basketball intelligence vs overall intelligence is fascinating. Even in a specific population of guys who have focused on basketball their whole lives, the two types of intelligence don't go hand in hand. It's amazing. Someone should really study this in a deeper scientific level at some point, it can potentially teach us a lot about how the human brain works and who is predisposed for certain jobs and why.

[jpotter33]

"One NBA executive described him as a “taller Rajon Rondo, a more athletic Evan Turner, or a skinnier Royce White.”"

Yikes!!!

Haha! Talk about a jynx!

[Eddie20]

Yeah, he's trash - I guess this means he'll be slipping to #3 - bummer 

Simmons doesn't necessarily strike me as arrogant, but he does seem to put his basketball interests first with everything else in the world coming second. Just because he isn't overly social doesn't make him a diva - it may, in fact, make him the opposite.

Not sure about that. This also coincides with what Rex Champman said about him a few weeks ago.

Former NBA executive Rex Chapman went on the Dan Patrick show Thursday and said LSU forward Ben Simmons may have some immaturity issues that potentially frighten some teams.

''He's a great talent, great passer and knows the game,'' said Chapman, a former NBA player who served four years as the Denver Nuggets' vice president of player personnel from 2006-10. ''But I think if you ask people around LSU, around the league; he's got some immaturity issues, and I think that's what frightens teams a little bit.

''I think more so off the court. I think his game is a little more mature than his age for sure, but I think there are questions about his ability to be a really good teammate.''

you

 He's the exact opposite of the guy we will regretfully take Jaylen Brown.

 Brown is super intelligent, mature, worldly, and captain of the chess team type. While he's a basketball moron IMO.

 Simmons is like a shy little baby off the court, a Diva, Spoiled brat. On the court he's Albert Einstein at 19 years old. Go figure.

Piggybacking off of the Simmons-Brown comparison, while watching the McDonalds game, it was evident that the best players on the court were indeed Simmons and Brown (Rabb and Diallo were probably 3rd and 4th). In fact, going into their freshman seasons they were the top 2 prospects in the country and 1-2 on many early mock drafts. However, Brown ends up going to Cal, where his game suffers because he is literally surrounded by a team of non-shooters. Ingram, who was nowhere to be found during the McDonalds game, was ranked as the #12 prospect in the country and goes to Duke. The situation was perfect for him and he is now slated to be the #2 pick, in what's allegedly being proclaimed a "2 player draft". Why, though? What if Brown had gone to Duke, where would he be ranked? Is Ingram's ceiling higher than Brown's? I'm no longer buying the notion that it's a 2 player draft and think the difference between Ingram and Brown as prospects is marginal at best.