If you know me you know I don't write for "Shock Value" or to get clicks on my website. I actually write what I truly believe. When it comes to History, Politics, Religion, Music and Sports, I try to be as honest as possible in my assessment. At any rate, when I look at the current climate of the NBA there are a few players in this era who can "do it all" as it relates to the game. Lebron James has been called the most complete player of this generation and by many, the most complete player the game has ever seen. When I watch Ben Simmons play, it reminds me of what Lebron James was doing when he entered the NBA. This isn't Simmons official Rookie year but it is his first year on the floor getting game time experience.
There were fans who looked at his Freshman year at LSU and totally dissected his game. I often heard all of the things that Ben Simmons couldn't do and not what he was great at as a teenager. We know this kid was bored during his one year in college. This goes back to an earlier blog I wrote on here about High School Stars being "forced" to play in the NCAA or be one year removed from High School. Even with Simmons being less than interested at LSU, he averaged 19.2 ppg, 11.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists. Again this is with average talent around him, descent coach and boredom. If we fast forward to his first season playing after being injured his rookie year, his productivity and impact is evident. The kid can play.
As of November 27, 2017, Ben Simmons is the starting Point Guard for a young and talented Philadelphia 76ers squad. Oh, by the way he is averaging 18.5 ppg, 9.1 rebounds and 7.7 assist. These are basically All Star numbers. At 6'10 Simmons is beyond unique. He has shown the ability to actually handle the basketball well enough to run an NBA team. He has shown the maturity to handle pressure situations and his aggression going to the basket gets more impressive with each game. Yes, Simmons has a lot to learn. Yes, his shooting will need some work but he plays within his range. At the moment he doesn't play like a first year player.
Revisiting the title of this post, Ben Simmons will be one of the Top 5 players in the NBA within 5 years. Simmons has all of the tools and god given genetics. I appreciate all of the young talent, especially The Greek Freak. With that being said, I believe Simmons is one the best young players in the NBA. If you were starting a franchise and needed someone for the next 10 years, how many players would be picked before Ben Simmons? I would say Anthony Davis and possibly the kid from New York. After them, I'm not sure how many other guys would be taken by GM's over Ben Simmons. These are just some of my random thoughts.
Peace
Tony Hanes, Blogger