2016 NBA Mock Draft: Post-Lottery Edition

<strong>Age:</strong> 19 (7/20/1996)<br /> <strong>Height, Weight, Wingspan:</strong> 6’10”, 239 pounds, 6’11”<br /> <strong>Slash Line:</strong> .560/.333/.670<br /> <strong>Season Averages:</strong> 34.9 MPG, 19.2 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 3.1 ORPG, 4.8 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.8 3PM <p>The Los Angeles Lakers may not be picking No. 1 overall, but merely retaining its 2016 NBA Draft pick is a win. The Top-3 protected selection could’ve gone to the Philadelphia 76ers, but it instead stays with Los Angeles.</p> <p>The Lakers capitalize on this golden opportunity by taking the best player in this draft class.</p> <p>Simmons is the No. 1 player on my big board, and the reason for that ranking is a word that many hate: upside. He’s a transcendent raw talent who has his red flags, but has the tools to be an elite player if groomed properly.</p> <p>That upside will be explored at either No. 1 or No. 2 overall, and it’s laughable to imagine him slipping any further.</p> <p>Simmons is a 6’10” hybrid forward who’s both an elite rebounder and one of the best facilitators in this draft class. The consensus safe upside comparison is Lamar Odom, which is a testament to how brilliant a player he could become.</p> <p>Simmons is polarizing due to the nonchalant manner with which he handled himself at LSU, but from a pure talent perspective, he’s the No. 1 player in this draft class.</p>. Forward. LSU Tigers. Ben Simmons. 2. player. 20