2016 NBA Draft: Ben Simmons Player Breakdown

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 12: Ben Simmons #25 of the LSU Tigers stands on the court after being charged with a technical foul in the game against the Texas A&M Aggies during the semifinals of the SEC Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 12, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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Feb 13, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) shoots over Texas A&M Aggies guard Alex Caruso (21) during the first half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Draft Projection: Top 2

If Ben Simmons doesn’t go No. 1 overall, then he’ll be selected at No. 2. Polarizing as he can be, there’s very little question around the Association that Simmons will be one of the Top 2 selections in the 2016 NBA Draft.

With all due respect to Brandon Ingram and the others in this draft class, Simmons is the No. 1 prospect—for better, worse, and everything in between.

Individually, Simmons had a freshman season for the ages. He finished 2015-16 with averages of 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.1 offensive boards, 4.8 assists, 2.0 steals, and 0.8 blocks on a slash line of .560/.333/.670.

According to Sports-Reference.com, Simmons became the first player to average at least 19.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 2.0 steals in over 20 years.

Season averages aren’t often factored into my evaluation, but when they’re as prolific as Simmons’, they come into play. He dominated the game from an individual perspective, compiling numbers at virtual will against every caliber of opponent.

Complicated as the evaluation process may be, with players like Simmons, general managers tend to chalk one up for generational talent.

Next: Key Strengths

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