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Big Jake Little Jake wrote: Simmons was a ton of fun to watch on offense - though he missed so many easy shots and his jumper is so off that you have to worry if he's more Rondo then Magic.

Magic wasn't much of a shooter when he came into the league.

I still think Simmons' biggest problem will be half court ball when teams play actual NBA defense. He wont be able to just blow by guys anymore, combine that with his lack of jumper and I think he's gonna be less spectacular than everyone believes. Him and Bender both seem like their ceiling is high quality role players.

Big Jake Little Jake wrote:

Ring_Wanted wrote: I still don't see the insane athleticism, although I'm about to watch the last game.

He's just a really, really quick and high jumper. He probably could have been an amazing WR or CB. He's not sprinting past everyone or anything, but when the ball goes up in the air, he's the first guy to it. It's like he's just suddenly way up high in the air.

I agree he is a quick jumper.

I just wish he had a nose for the ball on the glass. He might develop that, though. With his ability to get up there so quickly, and so high, he could be very annoying for other teams, and get us extra possessions.

And he seems weak. Do you think he could proliferate at SF? Hard to see I believe.

I feel Chriss is a better fit at the 3 than he is at the 4.

Nah. I think he's a 4, but so is Bender.

Indy wrote:I just wish he had a nose for the ball on the glass. He might develop that, though. With his ability to get up there so quickly, and so high, he could be very annoying for other teams, and get us extra possessions.

I'm not sure you can develop rebounding instincts, its just something you have or dont. I dont think Chriss has them. Rasheed Wallace was never a great rebounder and I think everyone would be happy if Chriss ended up anywhere near Sheed.

INFORMER wrote:I feel Chriss is a better fit at the 3 than he is at the 4.

If he can share minutes with Warren and Tucker I would try it. Dudley is fully spent at PF.

ShelC wrote:Nah. I think he's a 4, but so is Bender.

Put 30lbs on Bender and he can be a 5 now days.

I'm actually impressed with Bender's build and think we should go ahead and give him time at the 4 and 5. He's no smaller than Gasol was when he came into the league.

TheOriginalOriginal wrote:

Indy wrote:I just wish he had a nose for the ball on the glass. He might develop that, though. With his ability to get up there so quickly, and so high, he could be very annoying for other teams, and get us extra possessions.

I'm not sure you can develop rebounding instincts, its just something you have or dont. I dont think Chriss has them. Rasheed Wallace was never a great rebounder and I think everyone would be happy if Chriss ended up anywhere near Sheed.

Agreed on the last part, not so much on the first. I don't think you are born with a knack for rebounding. Just some people really gravitate towards it when they start playing, and love it, and work to get better at it. I know he hasn't been playing long, so I have plenty of hope left!

INFORMER wrote:I'm actually impressed with Bender's build and think we should go ahead and give him time at the 4 and 5. He's no smaller than Gasol was when he came into the league.

Was Gasol really only 220?!

I just looked it up and saw he was 227. Didn't realize how skinny he was.

Indy wrote:

TheOriginalOriginal wrote:

Indy wrote:I just wish he had a nose for the ball on the glass. He might develop that, though. With his ability to get up there so quickly, and so high, he could be very annoying for other teams, and get us extra possessions.

I'm not sure you can develop rebounding instincts, its just something you have or dont. I dont think Chriss has them. Rasheed Wallace was never a great rebounder and I think everyone would be happy if Chriss ended up anywhere near Sheed.

Agreed on the last part, not so much on the first. I don't think you are born with a knack for rebounding. Just some people really gravitate towards it when they start playing, and love it, and work to get better at it. I know he hasn't been playing long, so I have plenty of hope left!

Personally I see rebounding as understanding angles, position and court awareness, I dont think thats easily learned. Its why some small guys are better rebounders than big guys, they know where the ball will end up. Its a second nature thing IMO.

Cap wrote:

Big Jake Little Jake wrote: Simmons was a ton of fun to watch on offense - though he missed so many easy shots and his jumper is so off that you have to worry if he's more Rondo then Magic.

Magic wasn't much of a shooter when he came into the league.

I didn't mean just missed jumpers, I meant missed layups or other close-in shots around the basket. It was almost unbelievable how many he missed.

Indy wrote:

INFORMER wrote:I'm actually impressed with Bender's build and think we should go ahead and give him time at the 4 and 5. He's no smaller than Gasol was when he came into the league.

Was Gasol really only 220?!

I know they have said that Bender is only 220, but wasn't that an old measure for him? Many people are saying that he's definitely heavier than that. I want to know how good his post skills are.

Bender is not 220 right now.

carey wrote:Bender is not 220 right now.

You are right. he is listed at 225.

Bender is playing well right now. Chriss is out today, said he isn't feeling well.