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NBA Mock Draft 2016: Pro Comparisons for Top 30 Prospects

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 16, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) and guard Grayson Allen (3) celebrate a basket in their game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) and guard Grayson Allen (3) celebrate a basket in their game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) is introduced before the game against the Florida Gators at Stephen C. O
Jan 9, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) is introduced before the game against the Florida Gators at Stephen C. O /

1. Ben Simmons, LSU Tigers

Ultimate Upside Comparison: LeBron James

Safe Upside Comparison: Lamar Odom

Position: Forward

Age: 19 (7/20/1996)

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

Slash Line: .571/.333/.685

Season Averages: 34.5 MPG, 19.4 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 3.1 ORPG, 5.1 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.0 BPG

Ben Simmons in 2015 is essentially Brock Lesnar in 2002; he’s The Next Big Thing. There are areas in which he must improve, but Simmons can do a bit of everything and a whole lot of a lot.

If you’re confused by the analogy and phrasing, all you need to know is that Simmons is the proverbial complete package.

The question surrounding Simmons isn’t quite as significant as it’s been for others cut from his cloth: what position will he play? Unlike a Michael Beasley or a Derrick Williams, Simmons’ question is based more in discovering which he’s better at; not whether or not he’ll be able to play the 3 or the 4.

Thus far, Simmons has been dominant as both a perimeter and interior player.

He’s an elite rebounder who’s steadily improving along the defensive interior, all the while possessing the perimeter tools—ball-handling, court vision, and athleticism—to be an exceptional force at the 3. Some rationally question why he’s only attempted three 3-point field goals in 2015-16, but Simmons’ shooting form is solid.

At worst, Simmons’ upside falls along the lines of two-time NBA champion Lamar Odom—very high praise. At best, it’s somewhere in between the revamped Blake Griffin and LeBron James.

Next: The Future Scoring Champion?

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