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NBA Mock Draft 2016: New Year’s Resolutions

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 25, 2015; Honolulu, HI, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) flashes a "shaka" sign after the game against the Harvard Crimson at the Stan Sheriff Center. Oklahoma Sooners defeated the Harvard Crimson 83-71. Hield was named MVP of the tournament. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2015; Honolulu, HI, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) flashes a "shaka" sign after the game against the Harvard Crimson at the Stan Sheriff Center. Oklahoma Sooners defeated the Harvard Crimson 83-71. Hield was named MVP of the tournament. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 22, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) drives against American University Eagles forwards Andrija Matic (35) and Marko Vasic (5) in the second half at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. LSU won 79-51. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) drives against American University Eagles forwards Andrija Matic (35) and Marko Vasic (5) in the second half at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. LSU won 79-51. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Ben Simmons, LSU Tigers

Position: Forward

Age: 19

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10”, 240 pounds, 7’0.25″

Slash Line: .574/.333/.748

Season Averages: 34.1 MPG, 20.5 PPG, 13.1 RPG, 3.8 ORPG, 5.4 APG, 2.1 SPG, 1.4 BPG

New Year’s Resolution: Shoot the 3-Ball

Ben Simmons stands at 6’10” and 240 pounds with a 7’0″ wingspan and as tight a handle as most guards in this draft class. He’s a competent post player, a productive slasher, a dominant rebounder, a lethal threat in transition, a masterful facilitator and a productive defensive playmaker.

If there’s one thing that Simmons seemingly can’t do—and, really, it’s the only thing he can’t do—it’s score from beyond the arc.

In 13 appearances, Simmons has attempted three 3-point field goals—a very troubling sign for a player who many project as a small forward. Inconsistent at the free throw line, the fear exists that Simmons—one of the most versatile prospects of all-time—struggles in the one area that seems to matter most in the NBA.

If Simmons can’t at least convert the 3-point shot when open, his early NBA seasons will be harder on him. He could be the next big thing, but he could be the next stellar collegiate player who fails to make it at the pro level without a reliable jump shot.

Thus far, it appears as though Simmons is a less explosive and more defensively focused Blake Griffin—a power forward who handles the ball, facilitates, and scores in every way but with the 3-ball.

Next: Unlimited Scoring Upside