Around the NBA 11/9: Things Celtics fans should know from last night


There were only 10 teams who took the floor last night across the NBA.  Here are a few things you should know:

2016 FIRST-ROUND DRAFT PICK WATCH

No games scheduled.

The Celtics own the Brooklyn Nets pick.

The Celtics will receive the Mavericks pick if it falls between 8-30. Dallas retains the pick if it falls between 1-7.

The Celtics will receive the Timberwolves pick if it falls between 13-30. Minnesota retains the pick if it falls between 1-12.

ATLANTIC DIVISION STANDINGS WATCH

1. The Knicks defeated the Lakers last night at the Garden.

2. The Raptors losing streak is now at two as they were blown out by the Heat last night.

Atlantic Division as of 11/9
Toronto 5-2
New York 3-4
Boston 2-3
Philadelphia 0-6
Brooklyn 0-7

FORMER CELTIC WATCH

No games scheduled.

THE BEN SIMMONS WATCH BEGINS

For those of you who do not know, Mr. Ben Simmons will be one of the top two picks in the 2016 NBA Draft.  Simmons is a 6'10 power forward with the talent and athleticism of a guard and appears to be a generational-type player.  He chose to play what will likely be his only year of college basketball at Louisiana State University (LSU) in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Their season begins this week.

During Simmons' senior year of high school, he averaged 28 PPG, 12 RPG, 4 APG and 2.5 SPG, which was good enough to be named the 2014-2015 Gatorade Player of the Year .

As a result of his performance, his team finished this past season at 28-1 and made the National High School tournament.  Simmons, who had led his high school team to national title victories the previous two years, did so again this past season and was named the tournament MVP with game averages of 19 points and 12 rebounds.

Earlier this year, Simmons attended the Nike Basketball Academy, which features NBA players and prospects. Here are some reviews of his performance:

Ricky O'Donnell of SB Nation:
“Here’s a brief recap of Simmons’ time in LA: He guarded Anthony Davis, battled James Harden to a draw, proved he’s the best passer in the building, showed off his defensive potential and did enough to get Jay Bilas to say he has a higher ceiling than Andrew Wiggins. He’s being called the “ultimate modern NBA player” a month after he graduated high school.”

This past weekend, Ben Simmons and LSU played an exhibition game.  Simmons led LSU to an easy victory with 17 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 0 turnovers, 6 blocks and 4 steals in 29 minutes. LSU opens up their season this Friday at 9:00 p.m. EST on ESPNU.


Follow Max Sandgrund on Twitter @SotoSpeakz
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