Ingram is a better prospect than Simmons, and it’s not really close

 When I look at Ingram I can’t find any huge flaws aside from his weight and even then I think he has the frame to get stronger. 

If I had the number one pick I’d pick Ingram over Simmons as well. And it’s not that I don’t think Simmons will be really good, it’s just that I see his skill set as that of a 2nd or 3rd option as a complimentary piece rather than a guy to build around. 

 When I look at Ingram I can’t find any huge flaws aside from his weight and even then I think he has the frame to get stronger. 

If I had the number one pick I’d pick Ingram over Simmons as well. And it’s not that I don’t think Simmons will be really good, it’s just that I see his skill set as that of a 2nd or 3rd option as a complimentary piece rather than a guy to build around. 

Prediction: just like Porzingis and his wet 3 point shot ended up being a better player than Okafor and Russell, Dragan Bender will end up being the more valuable player than Ben Simmons.

Bender might even end up being drafted before Simmons, though bad talent evaluators tend to get the top draft picks, and blow it year after year.

Prediction: just like Porzingis and his wet 3 point shot ended up being a better player than Okafor and Russell, Dragan Bender will end up being the more valuable player than Ben Simmons.

Bender might even end up being drafted before Simmons, though bad talent evaluators tend to get the top draft picks, and blow it year after year.

Ingram will be a nice NBA player for sure but if you think that his effect on the Duke team is greater than Simmons on LSU I have no idea what you are watching. Duke has underachieved this year and I would say both teams are pretty equal when you look at common opponents and watch them play. You have to take into consideration who Ingram is playing with (5 other McDonald’s All Americans) compared to Simmons (One other All American in Blakeny who finally played a good game yesterday).

LSU can’t even get Simmons the ball half the time unless he brings it up the court. He shot 6-7 from the field yesterday which is unacceptable but I think it is on coaching and his teammates as much as his perceived lack of assertiveness. If Simmons were playing for Coach K at Duke they would be a top 10 team and if Ingram were on that LSU team they probably wouldn’t even make the tournament.

I understand the importance of the three point line in the NBA but never would I consider taking Buddy Hield over Simmons because he can shoot better…that is over looking so much about Simmons game that makes him special. I just wish he would have went to play for a good team with a proven coach to showcase his skills better.

Ingram will be a nice NBA player for sure but if you think that his effect on the Duke team is greater than Simmons on LSU I have no idea what you are watching. Duke has underachieved this year and I would say both teams are pretty equal when you look at common opponents and watch them play. You have to take into consideration who Ingram is playing with (5 other McDonald’s All Americans) compared to Simmons (One other All American in Blakeny who finally played a good game yesterday).

LSU can’t even get Simmons the ball half the time unless he brings it up the court. He shot 6-7 from the field yesterday which is unacceptable but I think it is on coaching and his teammates as much as his perceived lack of assertiveness. If Simmons were playing for Coach K at Duke they would be a top 10 team and if Ingram were on that LSU team they probably wouldn’t even make the tournament.

I understand the importance of the three point line in the NBA but never would I consider taking Buddy Hield over Simmons because he can shoot better…that is over looking so much about Simmons game that makes him special. I just wish he would have went to play for a good team with a proven coach to showcase his skills better.

 Your biggest mistake was at one point in time when you had an honest moment and admitted you were in your mid 30s.  Don’t you think it’s time to quit creating accounts on a site nobody wants you on?  And start focusing on, I dunno… Maybe getting out of your moms basement?

 Your biggest mistake was at one point in time when you had an honest moment and admitted you were in your mid 30s.  Don’t you think it’s time to quit creating accounts on a site nobody wants you on?  And start focusing on, I dunno… Maybe getting out of your moms basement?

 I think the original poster has some legit questions about group think and the danger of continuing to repeat something because the masses has determined it to be true. However; I do want to point out some problems with your evaluation of Ben Simmons. And I say this loving Ingram’s game. I think he has the goods to be the number 1 pick as well.

What you cannot account for is the fact that Ben Simmons is a 6’10 PF who is a shot creator for his team. He finishes at the rim with either hand. He can play essentially any position on the court. And shooting is essentially his only weakness relatively speaking.

While the 3 point shot has become oh so important at all levels of basketball not being elite at that skill does not mean you cannot be an elite basketball player. 

It is especially dangerous to suggest that because a guy does not have a certain skill at age 19 that this is who he will be in 2 or 3 years. What if he does develop a jump shot? Is it easier to develop a jump shot or an innate ability to see openings 2 and 3 steps ahead of most everyone else? 

While I will not tell you that you are wrong in your assessment I do think your critiques were very strong and spoken in the context of a player not being able to improve a skill. 

I’d also caution against slamming the door on Jabari Parker and Okafor as players. Randle I do have concerns about but even he is really young.

Parker’s issues may be system related. Okafor has played extremely well this year around really subpar talent. 

 I think the original poster has some legit questions about group think and the danger of continuing to repeat something because the masses has determined it to be true. However; I do want to point out some problems with your evaluation of Ben Simmons. And I say this loving Ingram’s game. I think he has the goods to be the number 1 pick as well.

What you cannot account for is the fact that Ben Simmons is a 6’10 PF who is a shot creator for his team. He finishes at the rim with either hand. He can play essentially any position on the court. And shooting is essentially his only weakness relatively speaking.

While the 3 point shot has become oh so important at all levels of basketball not being elite at that skill does not mean you cannot be an elite basketball player. 

It is especially dangerous to suggest that because a guy does not have a certain skill at age 19 that this is who he will be in 2 or 3 years. What if he does develop a jump shot? Is it easier to develop a jump shot or an innate ability to see openings 2 and 3 steps ahead of most everyone else? 

While I will not tell you that you are wrong in your assessment I do think your critiques were very strong and spoken in the context of a player not being able to improve a skill. 

I’d also caution against slamming the door on Jabari Parker and Okafor as players. Randle I do have concerns about but even he is really young.

Parker’s issues may be system related. Okafor has played extremely well this year around really subpar talent. 

 I agree some what with question marks regarding Simmons 3 point shooting and his D, you can make an argument with Ingram going number 1. But just because someone shoots 3’s doesn’t make them great, Jimmer, Reddick, Stauskas, etc ( I’m forgetting some other great 3 point college shooters) non of those guys are great or even good NBA players, Reddick is ok. 

This is what makes the draft great, speculating taking a favorite and sticking with your guns. Buddy has turned into my fav pic reminds me of when Curry fell to number 7. I think it will be the same with Buddy, I’m not saying Buddy will be any where as good of play a similar style of Curry, but he will be a real good player in the NBA. 

Simmons going 1st will depend on what team lands the 1st pick, he’s a very situational player. I would probably roll the dice and go with Simmons mostly because he’s so unique

 I agree some what with question marks regarding Simmons 3 point shooting and his D, you can make an argument with Ingram going number 1. But just because someone shoots 3’s doesn’t make them great, Jimmer, Reddick, Stauskas, etc ( I’m forgetting some other great 3 point college shooters) non of those guys are great or even good NBA players, Reddick is ok. 

This is what makes the draft great, speculating taking a favorite and sticking with your guns. Buddy has turned into my fav pic reminds me of when Curry fell to number 7. I think it will be the same with Buddy, I’m not saying Buddy will be any where as good of play a similar style of Curry, but he will be a real good player in the NBA. 

Simmons going 1st will depend on what team lands the 1st pick, he’s a very situational player. I would probably roll the dice and go with Simmons mostly because he’s so unique

 I’d be higher on Simmons if I hadn’t seen video of him shooting outside jumpers. And the fact that he doesn’t even seem to work on that part of the game. It’s not that he’s missing a lot of jumpers, it’s also that he’s not even taking them.

He actually seems to have a lot in common with Rondo. Rondo was terrified of free throws, while Simmons is clearly terrified of long jumpers.

Expecting somebody with such a psychological fear of something to drastically improve at that in the NBA is foolhardy. And the 3 point line in the NBA moves waaay back.

A few years ago people probably thought Evan Turner’s outside jumper would come around. He’s shooting like 15% this year.

People also thought Turner’s size + ball handling skills would somehow make him a great player.

Now people just assume that Simmons’ size + guard skills will magically create lots of buckets.

Just like D’Angelo Russell last year. His magic passing was supposed to have some big impact on the game.

It’s much better to have 5 guys that are decent passers than to have one virtuoso who needs the ball in his hands to be effective.

If that’s not clear yet, it should be. Spurs, Warriors, Celtics, and other top teams are all following the same formula of lots of motion and making the extra pass, not the fancy pass.

 I’d be higher on Simmons if I hadn’t seen video of him shooting outside jumpers. And the fact that he doesn’t even seem to work on that part of the game. It’s not that he’s missing a lot of jumpers, it’s also that he’s not even taking them.

He actually seems to have a lot in common with Rondo. Rondo was terrified of free throws, while Simmons is clearly terrified of long jumpers.

Expecting somebody with such a psychological fear of something to drastically improve at that in the NBA is foolhardy. And the 3 point line in the NBA moves waaay back.

A few years ago people probably thought Evan Turner’s outside jumper would come around. He’s shooting like 15% this year.

People also thought Turner’s size + ball handling skills would somehow make him a great player.

Now people just assume that Simmons’ size + guard skills will magically create lots of buckets.

Just like D’Angelo Russell last year. His magic passing was supposed to have some big impact on the game.

It’s much better to have 5 guys that are decent passers than to have one virtuoso who needs the ball in his hands to be effective.

If that’s not clear yet, it should be. Spurs, Warriors, Celtics, and other top teams are all following the same formula of lots of motion and making the extra pass, not the fancy pass.

 If Brandon Ingram is so great, why is Duke so terrible?  Duke has like 6 high school all-americans.  Ingram is long and can score but what else does he do?  He doesn’t defend or rebound.  This is probably Duke’s worst defensive team in decades.  Didn’t Duke give up like 12 offensive rebounds to Tyler Roberson.  Everybody and their mother blames Duke being bad on Amile Jefferson being out.  "Just wait, once Jefferson comes back, Duke will be unstoppable!!!"  Please.  Duke is just bad this year.  Kentucky went through it after AD and MKG and Carolina went through it after 09 with Lawson and Hansbrough. 

 If Brandon Ingram is so great, why is Duke so terrible?  Duke has like 6 high school all-americans.  Ingram is long and can score but what else does he do?  He doesn’t defend or rebound.  This is probably Duke’s worst defensive team in decades.  Didn’t Duke give up like 12 offensive rebounds to Tyler Roberson.  Everybody and their mother blames Duke being bad on Amile Jefferson being out.  "Just wait, once Jefferson comes back, Duke will be unstoppable!!!"  Please.  Duke is just bad this year.  Kentucky went through it after AD and MKG and Carolina went through it after 09 with Lawson and Hansbrough. 

He’s making me miss T Rex 

He’s making me miss T Rex 

Lol T-rex is back from rehab. 

Lol T-rex is back from rehab. 

 Welcome back T-Rex! As a fellow Celtics fan I didn’t believe like you did. You nailed it on a lot of those draft picks too. I can’t hate. 

Celtics moved into 3rd tonight? 

 Welcome back T-Rex! As a fellow Celtics fan I didn’t believe like you did. You nailed it on a lot of those draft picks too. I can’t hate. 

Celtics moved into 3rd tonight? 

simmons is too passive. I started the year off very high on him and made several posts about how good I think he an be! But after watching multiple games I realize that his lack of jump shot is a major red flag. I had to remove the emotion and the fact that I am a Ben Simmons fan and realize that he has a lot of work to do if he is going to be successful! At this point Ingram looks like the better prospect overall.  

simmons is too passive. I started the year off very high on him and made several posts about how good I think he an be! But after watching multiple games I realize that his lack of jump shot is a major red flag. I had to remove the emotion and the fact that I am a Ben Simmons fan and realize that he has a lot of work to do if he is going to be successful! At this point Ingram looks like the better prospect overall.  

 Despite how it was said, I agree that the game is changing and certain types of players are becoming less useful. However, there is a lot more to basketball than standing at the 3 point line and launching shots. You need players who make things happen, split the defense, and draw attention away from the 3 point shooters. Ben Simmons makes things happen. You need that along with shooters. I agree that Ingram can do both and he’s my favorite too. But I’m not so crazy as to be certain Ingram is better. 

 Despite how it was said, I agree that the game is changing and certain types of players are becoming less useful. However, there is a lot more to basketball than standing at the 3 point line and launching shots. You need players who make things happen, split the defense, and draw attention away from the 3 point shooters. Ben Simmons makes things happen. You need that along with shooters. I agree that Ingram can do both and he’s my favorite too. But I’m not so crazy as to be certain Ingram is better. 

Think about this for a minute: Ingram, playing on a team that has a rebounding weakness, is averaging half as many rebounds as Simmons. Duke desperately needs Ingram to rebound for them to be successful, and he either can’t, or won’t do it.

Beyond that, Ingram isn’t much of a ball handler or playmaker. He’s averaging 1/3 as many assists as Simmons. And, despite that great shooting touch, he’s not scoring as many points as Simmons, who is much more efficient.

If those two players traded places, Duke would be a favorite in the NCAA tournament, and LSU would be where Mississippi State is with their five star guard.

Simmons has the innate ability to make players around him better. I don’t see that in Ingram. He’s playing for one of the all-time great coaches and he’s helping his team turn in an all-time turd of a season by Duke standards. Nobody even knows who is coaching LSU, and Simmons is probably going to lead them to at least a tournament berth, which for those guys, is a big deal.

Think about this for a minute: Ingram, playing on a team that has a rebounding weakness, is averaging half as many rebounds as Simmons. Duke desperately needs Ingram to rebound for them to be successful, and he either can’t, or won’t do it.

Beyond that, Ingram isn’t much of a ball handler or playmaker. He’s averaging 1/3 as many assists as Simmons. And, despite that great shooting touch, he’s not scoring as many points as Simmons, who is much more efficient.

If those two players traded places, Duke would be a favorite in the NCAA tournament, and LSU would be where Mississippi State is with their five star guard.

Simmons has the innate ability to make players around him better. I don’t see that in Ingram. He’s playing for one of the all-time great coaches and he’s helping his team turn in an all-time turd of a season by Duke standards. Nobody even knows who is coaching LSU, and Simmons is probably going to lead them to at least a tournament berth, which for those guys, is a big deal.

 As a die hard Celtics fan, this guy is partially embarassing. First of all, Simmons is the next star. He’s not getting involved enough, he’s lacking aggressiveness, and the coach isn’t maximizing his talent. At time it seems they forget they have the best player in the country. Rozier isn’t better than Russell, nor will he EVER be. He’s an average defender, only due to his athleticism, and his jump shot is underwhelming. He’s just way too raw. D-Lo would be an offensive machine if it weren’t from Kobe hogging the ball worse than ’13 Melo. Marcus Smart clearly isn’t better than Harden? Stats. Defense is all that he has over him, and possibly rebounding. Jesus Christ. He be like "Michael Cooper, hands down better than MJ." Shut up….

 As a die hard Celtics fan, this guy is partially embarassing. First of all, Simmons is the next star. He’s not getting involved enough, he’s lacking aggressiveness, and the coach isn’t maximizing his talent. At time it seems they forget they have the best player in the country. Rozier isn’t better than Russell, nor will he EVER be. He’s an average defender, only due to his athleticism, and his jump shot is underwhelming. He’s just way too raw. D-Lo would be an offensive machine if it weren’t from Kobe hogging the ball worse than ’13 Melo. Marcus Smart clearly isn’t better than Harden? Stats. Defense is all that he has over him, and possibly rebounding. Jesus Christ. He be like "Michael Cooper, hands down better than MJ." Shut up….