NBA Mock Draft 2016: Impact of the NCAA Tournament

1. Ben Simmons, LSU Tigers

Position: Forward

Age: 19 (7/20/1996)

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

Slash Line: .560/.333/.670

Season Averages: 34.9 MPG, 19.2 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 3.1 ORPG, 4.8 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG

Key Strengths

• Positional versatility. Can play the 3 or the 4. Potential point forward.
• Court vision. Sees the floor well and is creative in his facilitating.
• Physical profile. Has the size, build, length, and athleticism to play the 3 or the 4.
• Tenacious rebounder on both ends.
• Dribble penetration.

Key Weaknesses

• Can he lead? Poor body language when his team is losing. Some believe he quit.
• Outside shooting. Form isn’t broken, but he doesn’t seem comfortable shooting jumpers.
• Great talent or great player?

Analysis

Ben Simmons is a point forward who can facilitate, dominate the glass on both ends, create penetration, and score from the post. His court vision is comparable to the best point guards in this draft class, and he has the physical build, length, and athleticism to play either the 3 or the 4.

From a pure skill perspective, there is no player better in this draft class than Simmons.

The issue with Simmons is mental—and it starts with his borderline refusal to attempt a jump shot. Bigger than his mere three 3-point field goals attempted in 2015-16 is the troubling truth that many accused the freshman phenom of quitting on the LSU Tigers at the tail end of the season.

When it comes down to it, no player matches Simmons’ talent or upside, and that’s enough to combat red flags and keep him at No. 1.

Next: The Two-Way Star