This topic contains 52 replies, has 12 voices, and was last updated by AvatarAvatar Rip256 10 years, 7 months ago.

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  • #61800
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    valentine

     I’d like to know what is the difference between Ben Simmons and Lebron at the same age. Who’s more advanced? What is the difference and similarities between these prospects.

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  • #1022741
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    giddyup123
    Participant

    These comparisons with Lebron James are ridiculous! there’s no need for them. lebron james is like stephen curry’s jumpshot, and michael jordan’s will to win… They are generational things that we quite honestly have never seen before and revolutionize the way the game of basketball is played.

    Lebron James was an absolute can’t miss, freak-of-nature prospect, uber-versatile prospect. Comparing him at the same age to Ben Simmons now, I’ll say Lebron James was definitely more advanced at the following things: handle, passing ability, vision (yes I know these are Simmons’ calling cards… goes to show how crazy good Lebron was), handle, jumpshot, rebounding, scoring, defense, IQ, athleticsm, and everything else. 

    As far as I’m concerned, and this is no knock on Ben Simmons, the only thing he may have going for him is that his body is more NBA ready and he is a little bigger (by an inch and 20 pounds) than Lebron was.

    In conclusion, people forget stuff over time, I get it. Lebron, at 18/19 years old averaged 20, 5, and 5 in the NBA while LEADING his team to an 18-game improvement over the previous season’s record. That is insane, as was Lebron. 

     

     

      

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  • #1022602
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    giddyup123
    Participant

    These comparisons with Lebron James are ridiculous! there’s no need for them. lebron james is like stephen curry’s jumpshot, and michael jordan’s will to win… They are generational things that we quite honestly have never seen before and revolutionize the way the game of basketball is played.

    Lebron James was an absolute can’t miss, freak-of-nature prospect, uber-versatile prospect. Comparing him at the same age to Ben Simmons now, I’ll say Lebron James was definitely more advanced at the following things: handle, passing ability, vision (yes I know these are Simmons’ calling cards… goes to show how crazy good Lebron was), handle, jumpshot, rebounding, scoring, defense, IQ, athleticsm, and everything else. 

    As far as I’m concerned, and this is no knock on Ben Simmons, the only thing he may have going for him is that his body is more NBA ready and he is a little bigger (by an inch and 20 pounds) than Lebron was.

    In conclusion, people forget stuff over time, I get it. Lebron, at 18/19 years old averaged 20, 5, and 5 in the NBA while LEADING his team to an 18-game improvement over the previous season’s record. That is insane, as was Lebron. 

     

     

      

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    • #1022745
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      NBAjunkie81
      Participant

       of him last season & he really has a lot to offer which ever team gets him… The similarity w/ Lebron I guess it that they are both playing what amounts to a "Point" – Power Forward…. but Lebron was such an off the charts freak athlete it was almost hard to believe what I was watching…

      Here was a 6’8” kid that was built like a truck but had the quickness & athleticism of a Guard…. Simmons is 6’10”, a Lefty, great passer, can shoot or drive, but he does not have Lebron’s explosiveness – & I’m not saying that Simmons is not a great athlete With explosiveness b/c he is all those things but Lebron was a guy who felt like he came from outter space….

       

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    • #1022606
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      NBAjunkie81
      Participant

       of him last season & he really has a lot to offer which ever team gets him… The similarity w/ Lebron I guess it that they are both playing what amounts to a "Point" – Power Forward…. but Lebron was such an off the charts freak athlete it was almost hard to believe what I was watching…

      Here was a 6’8” kid that was built like a truck but had the quickness & athleticism of a Guard…. Simmons is 6’10”, a Lefty, great passer, can shoot or drive, but he does not have Lebron’s explosiveness – & I’m not saying that Simmons is not a great athlete With explosiveness b/c he is all those things but Lebron was a guy who felt like he came from outter space….

       

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      • #1022797
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        markfitz14
        Participant

        That is good word to describe the difference. Lebron was built like a SF or PF but could jump and explode like a PG or SG. 

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      • #1022657
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        markfitz14
        Participant

        That is good word to describe the difference. Lebron was built like a SF or PF but could jump and explode like a PG or SG. 

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    • #1022761
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      Rip256

       Simmons would average that if he played for a lottery team this season.

      Probably more like 18, 8 & 6

       

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    • #1022622
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      Rip256

       Simmons would average that if he played for a lottery team this season.

      Probably more like 18, 8 & 6

       

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    • #1022793
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      markfitz14
      Participant

       Lebron was so good he was the best player in the nation freshman year. Then dominated for all of high school and won 4 state titles. They showed his high school games on espn he was so good. It was crazy that Cleveland got to draft him looking back. Being that he was from Ohio.

      Simmons is not as good as Lebron period. He has some similar skills as Lebron. Such as passing and game vision. So they do play similar games. Lebron would just be rated higher in prbly most if not all categories. Most glaring would be Lebron has more athleticisim than Simmons.

      I do think Simmons is a great player and projects as a top 10 player after  2 years in the NBA.

        

       

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    • #1022653
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      markfitz14
      Participant

       Lebron was so good he was the best player in the nation freshman year. Then dominated for all of high school and won 4 state titles. They showed his high school games on espn he was so good. It was crazy that Cleveland got to draft him looking back. Being that he was from Ohio.

      Simmons is not as good as Lebron period. He has some similar skills as Lebron. Such as passing and game vision. So they do play similar games. Lebron would just be rated higher in prbly most if not all categories. Most glaring would be Lebron has more athleticisim than Simmons.

      I do think Simmons is a great player and projects as a top 10 player after  2 years in the NBA.

        

       

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      • #1022760
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        tuck243
        Participant

        They lost to Roger Bacon his Junior year because he was in foul trouble the first half.  He came back to score 36 in the second half, but they still lost. 

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      • #1022900
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        tuck243
        Participant

        They lost to Roger Bacon his Junior year because he was in foul trouble the first half.  He came back to score 36 in the second half, but they still lost. 

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    • #1022801
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      SlickBouncePass
      Participant

      is that Simmons’ IQ and vision are right up there.  I know Lebron is one of the greatest, but I would not fault Simmons for his strength, which is his IQ and vision.  I know its only high school, but he’s also a winner.  In the Dick’s Final vs Oak Hill, his team was down double digits anytime he left the game.  Thats something special about the kid, a Lebron-like effect to raise the games of others around you.

      I question his shot, just like Lebron’s.  

      Simmons is noway near the defender Lebron is.  

      To make a wierd football analogy, 

       

      Lebron can be a TE and a safety though, and thats because I think Lebron is a little tougher, and stronger than Simmons, built stronger, less likely to get muscled up.  Simmons is more like a WR and cornerback, still has great footwork, just lacks some strength.  

      So you have a stronger athlete with ridiculous vision in Lebron, but skills-wise I don’t think they are that far off.  

      At his size, Simmons makes up for some of the lack of athleticism.  I also think he’s extremely smart and knows how to play within an offense (just like Lebron).  

      For recent Swingmen…..I think it goes Lebron > Simmons > Parker > Wiggins from what I’ve seen, thats if Parker can take command on a strange Bucks team.  

       

         

       

       

       

       

        

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    • #1022661
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      SlickBouncePass
      Participant

      is that Simmons’ IQ and vision are right up there.  I know Lebron is one of the greatest, but I would not fault Simmons for his strength, which is his IQ and vision.  I know its only high school, but he’s also a winner.  In the Dick’s Final vs Oak Hill, his team was down double digits anytime he left the game.  Thats something special about the kid, a Lebron-like effect to raise the games of others around you.

      I question his shot, just like Lebron’s.  

      Simmons is noway near the defender Lebron is.  

      To make a wierd football analogy, 

       

      Lebron can be a TE and a safety though, and thats because I think Lebron is a little tougher, and stronger than Simmons, built stronger, less likely to get muscled up.  Simmons is more like a WR and cornerback, still has great footwork, just lacks some strength.  

      So you have a stronger athlete with ridiculous vision in Lebron, but skills-wise I don’t think they are that far off.  

      At his size, Simmons makes up for some of the lack of athleticism.  I also think he’s extremely smart and knows how to play within an offense (just like Lebron).  

      For recent Swingmen…..I think it goes Lebron > Simmons > Parker > Wiggins from what I’ve seen, thats if Parker can take command on a strange Bucks team.  

       

         

       

       

       

       

        

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    • #1022803
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      Buckets21
      Participant

       if you go by draftexpress Lebron was actually 5 pounds heavier than Simmons at the same age

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    • #1022663
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      Buckets21
      Participant

       if you go by draftexpress Lebron was actually 5 pounds heavier than Simmons at the same age

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  • #1022743
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    giddyup123
    Participant

     I’ll also concede that Simmons is probably a better rebounder than 18 year old Lebron (mainly due to that size factor)

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  • #1022604
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    giddyup123
    Participant

     I’ll also concede that Simmons is probably a better rebounder than 18 year old Lebron (mainly due to that size factor)

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  • #1022749
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    ExumInferno
    Participant

     ESPN had live national and international shows of LeBron’s high school games, so Ben Simmons is far from that hype.  LeBron was stronger and more athletic.

    But might as well give Simmons a few college games to show a glimpse of what he can do before making big declarations and summations about his NBA future.

     

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  • #1022610
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    ExumInferno
    Participant

     ESPN had live national and international shows of LeBron’s high school games, so Ben Simmons is far from that hype.  LeBron was stronger and more athletic.

    But might as well give Simmons a few college games to show a glimpse of what he can do before making big declarations and summations about his NBA future.

     

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  • #1022759
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    Rip256

    If he was American the hype would be different.

     

     

     

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  • #1022620
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    Rip256

    If he was American the hype would be different.

     

     

     

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  • #1022809
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    SlickBouncePass
    Participant

     Should compare him to Wiggins since he was the "next" Lebron.

    Shot – probably equal.  Wiggins surprised in the NBA with his stroke.  Neither guy has a great stroke.

    Passing/Vision – Simmons.  Sets Simmons apart.  Does Wiggins even pass?  Never seen him make a great pass to a cutter.  Wiggins game is so basic we all know it already.  

    Ceiling – Simmons.  See above.  Wiggins is either going to streamline to the basket and dunk it, streamline and spin and lay it up, or take the outside shot.   Simmons is a total watch him what he do scenario.

    Defense – Wiggins.  Simmons is no slouch, but Wiggins is just more athletic, and longer.

    Explosiveness – Wiggins – easy, by far, although this doesn’t hold Simmons back.

    Speed – End to end with the ball in his hand, I’ll take Simmons, with the ball in his hand.  

    Handle – Simmons, BY FAR.  This along with vision and IQ sets him apart from other swings.  Lebron also has this, which is why they get compared.  I think Simmons has better handle than a Lamar Odom.

    IQ – Simmons, BY FAR.  Wiggins you know what he’s gonna do.  Simmons knows how to win and how to get everyone involved.  Wiggins does no directing of the offense, he waits until he gets the ball and then does his thing.  Simmons takes an active roll in the offense.  

    In short, Simmons has better passing, handle, IQ, ceiling by far than Wiggins.  Wiggins has better defense and explosiveness.  

    And Lebron is the combination of both, haha.  

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  • #1022669
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    SlickBouncePass
    Participant

     Should compare him to Wiggins since he was the "next" Lebron.

    Shot – probably equal.  Wiggins surprised in the NBA with his stroke.  Neither guy has a great stroke.

    Passing/Vision – Simmons.  Sets Simmons apart.  Does Wiggins even pass?  Never seen him make a great pass to a cutter.  Wiggins game is so basic we all know it already.  

    Ceiling – Simmons.  See above.  Wiggins is either going to streamline to the basket and dunk it, streamline and spin and lay it up, or take the outside shot.   Simmons is a total watch him what he do scenario.

    Defense – Wiggins.  Simmons is no slouch, but Wiggins is just more athletic, and longer.

    Explosiveness – Wiggins – easy, by far, although this doesn’t hold Simmons back.

    Speed – End to end with the ball in his hand, I’ll take Simmons, with the ball in his hand.  

    Handle – Simmons, BY FAR.  This along with vision and IQ sets him apart from other swings.  Lebron also has this, which is why they get compared.  I think Simmons has better handle than a Lamar Odom.

    IQ – Simmons, BY FAR.  Wiggins you know what he’s gonna do.  Simmons knows how to win and how to get everyone involved.  Wiggins does no directing of the offense, he waits until he gets the ball and then does his thing.  Simmons takes an active roll in the offense.  

    In short, Simmons has better passing, handle, IQ, ceiling by far than Wiggins.  Wiggins has better defense and explosiveness.  

    And Lebron is the combination of both, haha.  

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    • #1022720
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      T Rex

       You forgot strength. Simmons is probably heavier/stronger now than Wiggins will ever be, unless Wiggins suddenly gains 40 lbs. Wiggins will be lucky to ever get up to 220lbs.

       

       

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    • #1022859
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      T Rex

       You forgot strength. Simmons is probably heavier/stronger now than Wiggins will ever be, unless Wiggins suddenly gains 40 lbs. Wiggins will be lucky to ever get up to 220lbs.

       

       

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  • #1022811
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    tuck243
    Participant

    Is a better comparison for Ben than LeBron…  Maybe a Lamar Odom at this age…   LeBron was his own player and this site actually compared him to an athletic Magic Johnson.  This is something that I wouldn’t compare Ben Simmons to…  Ben isn’t on the level of any of these players and I like his game a lot he’s not the finisher either players were…

    Ben has a lot to improve on and one of his major weaknesses is contact at the rim.  Something that doesn’t translate well to the NBA without a great jump shot…  LeBron was a freaking monster at the rim so comparing the 2 doesn’t make sense to me…

    Grant Hill is a better comparison because although Grant might’ve been a little more explosive than Ben at this age they both had the similar hang ups with Grant being a better pull up mid range shooter.  

    The Ben and LeBron comparisons shouldn’t be an actual comparison..   Also, I don’t believe Ben has a stronger body at this age.  If he did then he wouldn’t be reluctant to go through contact driving to the rim…

     

     

      

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  • #1022671
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    tuck243
    Participant

    Is a better comparison for Ben than LeBron…  Maybe a Lamar Odom at this age…   LeBron was his own player and this site actually compared him to an athletic Magic Johnson.  This is something that I wouldn’t compare Ben Simmons to…  Ben isn’t on the level of any of these players and I like his game a lot he’s not the finisher either players were…

    Ben has a lot to improve on and one of his major weaknesses is contact at the rim.  Something that doesn’t translate well to the NBA without a great jump shot…  LeBron was a freaking monster at the rim so comparing the 2 doesn’t make sense to me…

    Grant Hill is a better comparison because although Grant might’ve been a little more explosive than Ben at this age they both had the similar hang ups with Grant being a better pull up mid range shooter.  

    The Ben and LeBron comparisons shouldn’t be an actual comparison..   Also, I don’t believe Ben has a stronger body at this age.  If he did then he wouldn’t be reluctant to go through contact driving to the rim…

     

     

      

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    • #1022855
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      whiteflash
      Participant

       Hill and Simmons play NOTHING alike. Hill was an explosive wing with a tremendous post game, the best crossover of any sf ever, an awesome mid-range game and the abity and willingness to attack the bigs relentlessly. Simmons is a young Odom. Their games are almost identical. People forget that Odom was the #1 prospect in a class with Tracy McGrady, Baron Davis, Dion Glover…. Odom never panned out ’cause he’s a fruitloop. Had nothing to do with his game, or lack thereof. 

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    • #1022715
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      whiteflash
      Participant

       Hill and Simmons play NOTHING alike. Hill was an explosive wing with a tremendous post game, the best crossover of any sf ever, an awesome mid-range game and the abity and willingness to attack the bigs relentlessly. Simmons is a young Odom. Their games are almost identical. People forget that Odom was the #1 prospect in a class with Tracy McGrady, Baron Davis, Dion Glover…. Odom never panned out ’cause he’s a fruitloop. Had nothing to do with his game, or lack thereof. 

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      • #1022758
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        tuck243
        Participant

        Grant Hill wasn’t that great of a finisher at the rim… AND I accounted for the lack of explosiveness from Ben Simmons..  The issue is Ben is more explosive and have better coordination than Lamar.   He’s more fluid in his movements.  So, Lamar isn’t a spot on comparison either.  

        For the record, Grant Hill crossover wasn’t the "Best Ever"…  Even if he did, Ben Simmons got the same crossover (the one that look like a damn carry ala Grant Hill and Marbury).  Grant had a nice pull up game and his back to the basket was decent in his career.  But Ben isn’t that bad in the post himself….   

        With all that said, I was discussing Lamar Odom, LeBron, and Grant Hill at Ben Simmons CURRENT age.  I’m not comparing present day or Prime players to someone that hasn’t played a college basketball game yet..  

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        • #1023013
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          whiteflash
          Participant

           You have absolutely no idea of what you’re talking about, and obviously never saw a young Grant Hill crush damn near every center in the late 90’s.

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        • #1022874
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          whiteflash
          Participant

           You have absolutely no idea of what you’re talking about, and obviously never saw a young Grant Hill crush damn near every center in the late 90’s.

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          • #1023077
            AvatarAvatar
            tuck243
            Participant

            and not actual games.   Because if you did you would know Grant Hill at 18 wasn’t a great finisher… 

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          • #1022938
            AvatarAvatar
            tuck243
            Participant

            and not actual games.   Because if you did you would know Grant Hill at 18 wasn’t a great finisher… 

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      • #1022898
        AvatarAvatar
        tuck243
        Participant

        Grant Hill wasn’t that great of a finisher at the rim… AND I accounted for the lack of explosiveness from Ben Simmons..  The issue is Ben is more explosive and have better coordination than Lamar.   He’s more fluid in his movements.  So, Lamar isn’t a spot on comparison either.  

        For the record, Grant Hill crossover wasn’t the "Best Ever"…  Even if he did, Ben Simmons got the same crossover (the one that look like a damn carry ala Grant Hill and Marbury).  Grant had a nice pull up game and his back to the basket was decent in his career.  But Ben isn’t that bad in the post himself….   

        With all that said, I was discussing Lamar Odom, LeBron, and Grant Hill at Ben Simmons CURRENT age.  I’m not comparing present day or Prime players to someone that hasn’t played a college basketball game yet..  

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  • #1022827
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    Hitster
    Participant

    I never saw Grant play when he was a college freshman so I don’t know how his basketball IQ then compared to Ben’s now. Grant was effectively a point forward whilst I thimk Ben has potentially more explosiveness at a similar stage.

    Ben is an elite prospect but he isn’t getting the sort of hype LBJ got during his pre draft year and would not say Ben is anymore hyped than Wiggins or Parker were at a similar stage. KD was perhaps hyped more than any of them but he was in the same draft year as Oden who has been the most hyped guy since LBJ IMO.

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  • #1022687
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    Hitster
    Participant

    I never saw Grant play when he was a college freshman so I don’t know how his basketball IQ then compared to Ben’s now. Grant was effectively a point forward whilst I thimk Ben has potentially more explosiveness at a similar stage.

    Ben is an elite prospect but he isn’t getting the sort of hype LBJ got during his pre draft year and would not say Ben is anymore hyped than Wiggins or Parker were at a similar stage. KD was perhaps hyped more than any of them but he was in the same draft year as Oden who has been the most hyped guy since LBJ IMO.

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  • #1022853
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    whiteflash
    Participant

     For the billionth time, Simmons is Lamar Odom with his head screwed on straight. Also, if anyone saw LSU’s combine #’s, they made Kentucky’s look legit. The amount of inflated numbers there are an insult to common sense. 

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  • #1022713
    AvatarAvatar
    whiteflash
    Participant

     For the billionth time, Simmons is Lamar Odom with his head screwed on straight. Also, if anyone saw LSU’s combine #’s, they made Kentucky’s look legit. The amount of inflated numbers there are an insult to common sense. 

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    • #1022724
      AvatarAvatar
      T Rex

       Simmons is stronger and more explosive than Odom.

      What a joke. All the people who said Wiggins was the closest thing to LeBron can’t accept that Simmons is INCREDIBLY similar to LeBron.

      LeBron was in high school before ESPN filled their airtime with shows like Pardon the Nonsense and Around the Circle Jerk.

      Simmons games weren’t on ESPN? Take it up with ESPN, though those people are probably fired by now.

       

       

       

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    • #1022864
      AvatarAvatar
      T Rex

       Simmons is stronger and more explosive than Odom.

      What a joke. All the people who said Wiggins was the closest thing to LeBron can’t accept that Simmons is INCREDIBLY similar to LeBron.

      LeBron was in high school before ESPN filled their airtime with shows like Pardon the Nonsense and Around the Circle Jerk.

      Simmons games weren’t on ESPN? Take it up with ESPN, though those people are probably fired by now.

       

       

       

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  • #1022780
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    Rip256

    I dunno why you cats have a phobia of comparing a Lebron-like player to Lebron.

    Hes on his way to a very lebron-like statline as we speak.

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  • #1022920
    AvatarAvatar
    Rip256

    I dunno why you cats have a phobia of comparing a Lebron-like player to Lebron.

    Hes on his way to a very lebron-like statline as we speak.

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  • #1023063
    AvatarAvatar
    Rip256

    First LSU game. 26 minutes. Flirted with a 5×5

    17 pt

    9 rebs

    5 asst

    6 blks

    4 stls

     

     

     

     

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  • #1022923
    AvatarAvatar
    Rip256

    First LSU game. 26 minutes. Flirted with a 5×5

    17 pt

    9 rebs

    5 asst

    6 blks

    4 stls

     

     

     

     

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  • #1023098
    AvatarAvatar
    Espresso
    Participant

     Giannis Antetokounmpo?

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  • #1022960
    AvatarAvatar
    Espresso
    Participant

     Giannis Antetokounmpo?

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  • #1023008
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    theballerway
    Participant

    You really have to forget the personal stuff and look at the skill set,. Especially in college where he was a clear point forward. If Simmons is more athletic its not by much at all. Odom averaged 17.6 pts 9.8 rebs 3.8 ast and 1.5 blocks a game. I expect pretty much the same from Simmons. Maybe a rebound less and assist more.
    Again forget the side show and look at the basketball player

    http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/lamar-odom-1.html

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    • #1023050
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      Rip256

      The case you make about Odom sounds a lot like this:

      Ceiling – Non cracked out Odom

      Basement – Crackhead Odom

      Realistic – Functional Drug addict Odom.

       

       

       

       

       

       

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    • #1023189
      AvatarAvatar
      Rip256

      The case you make about Odom sounds a lot like this:

      Ceiling – Non cracked out Odom

      Basement – Crackhead Odom

      Realistic – Functional Drug addict Odom.

       

       

       

       

       

       

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  • #1023147
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    theballerway
    Participant

    You really have to forget the personal stuff and look at the skill set,. Especially in college where he was a clear point forward. If Simmons is more athletic its not by much at all. Odom averaged 17.6 pts 9.8 rebs 3.8 ast and 1.5 blocks a game. I expect pretty much the same from Simmons. Maybe a rebound less and assist more.
    Again forget the side show and look at the basketball player

    http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/lamar-odom-1.html

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