Hoops

Ben Simmons player comparisons

Won't need to now, of course - he'll be rolling in it!

6'10 with a 42 inch vert. Probably could. Others have done it

Seems Simmons can grab a coin off the top of the backboard

Prime odom was a monster

I think people forget how good Odom was pre-Kardashian.

His lone season in MIA was great.

I think the eye-test is the best in this circumstance, these points/rebounds/shooting percentage stats comparisons don't really do much.

1. Different eras for some players including different pace, style, tactics
2. Different teams & team mates (LSU sucked for instance)
3. Translating success from hs/college/other leagues to NBA is tricky (look at Darko Milicic)

Quick analysis...

Simmons has a freakish natural talent which makes things on the Court a hell of a lot easier - particularly in NBA world with all the isolation. Big guys aren't going to be able to defend his drive from the perimeter unless you've got Kevin Durant. He has the agility mobility and hand coordination to drive like a guard.

It's going to take some serious zoning to stop a Simmons drive, this is where his strong passing game will become an absolute nightmare if the coaching is decent and tactics acknowledge this opportunity. A fast paced athletic 76ers with Simmons against defence will require Spurs like defence or serious pace on D and endurance to interrupt it. Whether it's allowing a Simmons drive or allowing open shooters, it should be a bit of a 'pick your poison' situation for opposition.

Simmons' shooting has been criticised, but I think that is a stretch because simply hasn't shot very much. I'd like to see what happens over the next few years but the mechanics of his shot is fine, it's just about putting them up at a higher rate (and obviously getting them in the basket). If he can have a consistent Duncan-like mid range jumper then he's got all the tools to really dominate his opposition. If he isn't able to capitalise in that area then it certainly is a bit of a hall pass for opposition who might lag off of him until he gets to the danger area near the basket.

Of course all of this is for nothing if a) he isn't coached/utilised properly, b) players around him are selfish/incompetent (ala LSU) or b) attitude/immaturity/lack of competitiveness/general personality stunts use of his natural ability and diminishes development

Defensively with his long span, vertical leap and height makes him tough to shoot over and he'll get a decent number of blocks if he works hard enough and learns the timing of the NBA. He will keep working on his body to get that muscle up and make sure he's not pushed out of a contest. Importantly his foot speed will help prevent players from getting past him easily. A strong work ethic will make sure he's no liability on D.

He's got the natural ability, it comes down to effort, development, maturity, intellect, good coaching and good players around him.

I'd say in respect to his current strengths, comparisons to Magic, LeBron, Durant are accurate even if he doesn't quite reach those levels. I don't think Odom or Smith measure similar impact to Simmons. I think the reason why they were drawn up as comparisons is because Odom is a tall guy (same height as BS) with a bit of pace and guard-ish skills (albeit nothing like Magic/Durant) and Smith was a slightly smaller guy (206cm) who played more like an athletic 208-210cm guy ie. they both play out of the stereotype roles.

They're pretty decent baselines though.

lol you'd hope he will be better than Josh Smith and Lamar Odom

I'm currently playing church basketball (I think its the winter SACBA comp), and the season is just about finished.

Does anyone know where or how to get hold of a ladder? I haven't been able to find anything on the web and I'm interested to see how we are placed approaching the finals.

Thanks.