A big year from Simmons is a big year for the Nets. If Simmons & Hayes can shoot, they'll replace RJ with not that much lost in the transition. Then the smalls will still have a three-man game, but now we'll also have two scoring bigs for some balance.
I would be thrilled if Simmons' assessment proves accurate, but color me unimpressed that a guy with his meager accomplishments is that flip about being "more complete" than a guy who is among the league's elite as a fast break finisher, is above average as a post-up SF, has improved his jumper and shooting range every year, is a very tenacious and effective slasher, and (in past years, though not recently) a good wing defender. Simmons may well end up a good fit alongside Harris and Carter if he plays 20 minutes a game and hits over 40% of his threes on the year. But what I've seen of him in no way convinces me that he is as multi-faceted as Jefferson.
I'm with you on being optimistic. I just thought that it was too cheeky and inappropriate for a guy of Simmons reputation and record of accomplishments to flatly state that he is a more well-rounded player than RJ before he's even played a single game for a team that had the other guy for 7 years (or so) and went to two finals with him as a very significant contributor. Let your play do the bragging for you.
They're pretty similar players IMO. Simmons does favor the jumpshot over the drive comparatively to RJ but he's no stranger to the lanes either. Neither have great handles but if Bobby can find teammates when they cut or play even a lick of defense then I don't see why his statement would be considered inaccurate. RJ, for all the good he did for us, became a scorer who's improved J had him floating further and further away from the basket as his defensive intensity went out the window. Sure he could get to the line but if the whistle didn't go his way there would be more bitching than there was recovery. I'm not saying we won't miss his scoring but we need someone like a Simmons who has something to prove, to put forth that effort we need as a team. Injuries and a bad situation (read bad team management and selfish guard play) in Milwaukee are two things to factor into when reviewing his past couple of seasons and i'm sure he's not thrilled with the reputation that his time with LA was a fluke. He'll get a great opportunity to show what he's got but that kinda confidence in his own skill set is not without merit.
well, RJ isn't much of a jumpshooter, and might be about an average passer. If Simmons can be a league-average starting SF (defense included), then the Nets will have totally dominated this deal.
okay im not saying anything, but keep in mind simmons had to play with Redd and Williams for the years he was in milwaukee as well. Redd and Mo williams... Good luck lebron! i wouldn't put him over RJ though. I remember watching a few games of the nets and wished t-mac drove the ball as hard as RJ.
I am expecting good things from Simmons. So by the trading deadline we can send him packing to a desperate team needing a sixth man for picks and an expiring contract if possible. Then slip CDR in that positon for the rest of the year for experience purposes.
Didn't Harris also say something like he is a better shooter than JKidd? So when Simmons says he's a better shooter or rebounder than RJ, I wouldn't get too upset. Actually, I'd rather have a shooter than a driver at SF. It's a better fit because it draws the defender further out, away from the paint.
If he can consistently nail the catch and shoot from VC or Harris, Nets will surprise a lot of teams.
RJ was a decent jump shooter last year and even the year before. Agree about his passing, but then I recall reading comments from veteran Bucks fans after the trade that really impugned Simmons' ability as a passer (and his assist #s sure back that up). And he's a TERRIBLE ball handler, according to those folks. I agree that if he is an average SF, the deal will be an EXTREMELY good one for the Nets. If Yi pans out as a starting caliber 4 who plays both ends, it will still be a good deal for the Nets even if Simmons is horrible. That's not in issue. It's Simmons flip willingness to proclaim, on a record which hardly supports it, that he's a more complete player than RJ. I'm all for self confidence, but I prefer a little evidence to back it up and a modicum of professional courtesy towards a guy that played his entire career for the club that traded him for your teammate with you as a throw in to make the #s work. Netted is right. The one area where Simmons may outdo RJ is in running his mouth.
I think some guys with pride hear all this talk about how they were the throw-in player and that the other team got the better of the deal and it gets to them. He shouldn't have said it, but I appreciate the fact he was motivated to say it.
I like the confidence, but it is big words for a guy who might not even be the starting SF come the season. What is even funnier is that this guy is now the Nets 3rd highest paid player. -Petey
