Official 2016 Draft Thread

[Hicks123 [enjin:6700838]]

When evaluating Simmons at his appropriate PF position in the NBA, I just don't think I would qualify him as a "poor" shooter as many have. I actually like the comp to Blake, with the exception that Blake is a MUCH better athlete. And for Simmons, he is simply a much more diverse total package when compared to Blake at 19 years old. And he is an absolute load, and extremely skilled as an offensive post. But as a PF, I would argue that he is plenty skilled to make that mid-range jumper. 3 point shooter ala Love...probably not. But overall, a much more gifted scorer in general.

Man, putting Simmons next to Towns would certainly create trouble for opposing teams. An eventual lineup of Towns - Simmons - Wiggy - Lavine - Rubio is extremely balanced, and very potent on both sides of the ball. I see the caution when discussing shooters, but Towns has certainly shown flashes of ability to step out and be a weapon, and Lavine certainly has that shot in his arsenal as well. And when I compare that skillset to many other teams, not a lot of them start more than one...maybe 2 solid 3 point shooters. The difference...most of those teams have those weapons on the bench, which is certainly something we lack.

All that said, I also love the prospect of Ingram. He has freakish length for a player that can shoot like that. 9/2" standing reach....and 42% as a high-volume 3pt shooter. As a defender, there is nothing you can do to stop that shot from getting off....ask anyone that has ever had to guard Durant. In the games I have seen, I have been less-than-impressed with his defense. He does get deflections and blocks due to length...but his awareness doesn't seem great yet. But I would expect that to improve a lot in time.

Of the 2, I would expect a lot more success from Simmons the first couple years, but Ingram certainly shows similar (if not better) long-term potential. I would gladly take either.

[Porckchop]

Since we have KAT in the fold here, I'm not as concerned with finding another offensive big to put next to him. Find a big that can focus on playing solid D and scoring on put backs.

What this team needs is perimeter shooting along with shot creating from all three back court positions.

1. Dunn
2. Ingram
3. Heild
4. Brown

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

In all honesty, I'd be thrilled to come away with one of Ingram/Simmons/Dunn and I'd still be pretty good with Ellenson or Brown if we had some poor luck with the ping pong balls.

I will say, though, if I had the No. 1 pick, I'm taking Ingram.

[bleedspeed]

Simmons is a bigger LeBron. He is a much better passer and has a way better handle.

I think you're seriously downplaying the prospect LeBron was, actually... Simmons' handle and passing ability are very good, could even say great, but to say "much better" than LeBron's is a mighty stretch, in my opinion.

I was saying than Blake.

[bleedspeed]

Also, I think Ben's game translates more to a Griffin/Green type power forward. Bigs that get the rebound and go. He's much, much better guarding bigs than he is wing players as well. It also gives him a bigger advantage on offense going against slower PFs. Not to mention it somewhat hides his shooting woes too.

I was also thinking about Green, but I think he will be better than him. He is an interesting talent. I think he will learn to shoot. LeBron did.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Simmons is a bigger LeBron. He is a much better passer and has a way better handle.

I think you're seriously downplaying the prospect LeBron was, actually... Simmons' handle and passing ability are very good, could even say great, but to say "much better" than LeBron's is a mighty stretch, in my opinion.

I was saying than Blake.

Ahh, well that's at least a better debate. Thanks for clarifying for me. I still think Simmons and Griffin are pretty comparable in both of those areas. Griffin, for whatever reason, doesn't get enough credit for his handle and passing ability, but the guy has averaged 5.0+ APG last season and this season. Previously, he hovered right under 4.0 per game.

As for his handle... I assume you'll get a kick out of this compilation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f96b5XAbHhc

[bleedspeed]

Wow - He has improved in that area. Simmons is just ina different league comparing them at same age though. 5+ assists in college is hard to do for most teams PG's let alone PF.

Here is a good write-up on his shot.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2600060-nba-scouts-are-split-on-ben-simmons-only-imperfection

[MikkeMan]

Also, I think Ben's game translates more to a Griffin/Green type power forward. Bigs that get the rebound and go. He's much, much better guarding bigs than he is wing players as well. It also gives him a bigger advantage on offense going against slower PFs. Not to mention it somewhat hides his shooting woes too.

I was also thinking about Green, but I think he will be better than him. He is an interesting talent. I think he will learn to shoot. LeBron did.

Green is currently on pace to be first player for 14 years to be ranked top15 in both rebounds and assists per game. Last player that has been able to get that was KG in 2002-03 season. If Simmons would be for sure even as good as Green currently is, you would draft him with 1st pick in this draft. But I'm pretty sure that Simmons won't be ever as good defender or three point shooter (currently shooting better than 40%) than Green is. Even if he would be clearly better scorer his mediocre defense and lack of floor spacing ability will make him worse than Green currently is.

[bleedspeed]

Ranking the potential Ben Simmons destinations, from best to worst fit
http://espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/14501977/do-lakers-celtics-pelicans-fit-best-lsu-ben-simmons-nba-draft

4. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Heat had the Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Minnesota could create another one -- all of whom are under 22 years old -- by landing a third straight No. 1 pick and putting Simmons alongside Towns and Wiggins.

Simmons' playmaking would duplicate Ricky Rubio's game to a certain extent. But standing 6-10, 240 pounds and filling Minnesota's one big hole at the power forward position, he would be grabbed by the Wolves in a heartbeat. And the coaching staff would figure out how to complement Rubio with Simmons.

In fact, with Simmons on the court, Minnesota could probably get away with playing Zach LaVine at the point and utilize his size and athleticism.

Odds of winning lottery: 6.3 percent

[Monster]

Ranking the potential Ben Simmons destinations, from best to worst fit
http://espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/14501977/do-lakers-celtics-pelicans-fit-best-lsu-ben-simmons-nba-draft

4. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Heat had the Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Minnesota could create another one -- all of whom are under 22 years old -- by landing a third straight No. 1 pick and putting Simmons alongside Towns and Wiggins.

Simmons' playmaking would duplicate Ricky Rubio's game to a certain extent. But standing 6-10, 240 pounds and filling Minnesota's one big hole at the power forward position, he would be grabbed by the Wolves in a heartbeat. And the coaching staff would figure out how to complement Rubio with Simmons.

In fact, with Simmons on the court, Minnesota could probably get away with playing Zach LaVine at the point and utilize his size and athleticism.

Odds of winning lottery: 6.3 percent

Big 3???? What about big 4? Mifht as well include Lavine. Lol