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 17, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) reacts late during the second half of a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Alabama defeated LSU 76-69. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Key Weaknesses

It may seem as though Ben Simmons is flawless, but he’s not. In fact, the twokey areas of weakness in Simmons’ game could unravel everything that makes him one of the most attractive prospects of the 21st century.

Strictly talking basic basketball abilities, the primary issue is Simmons’ jump shot.

Despite playing with a fairly even low-high balance, Simmons attempted three 3-point field goals in all of 2015-16. His form isn’t broken, and his mark of 67.0 percent from the free throw line is correctable, but both are significant weaknesses.

If Simmons can’t shoot, then his value in other areas will be limited.

Simmons’ true flaw has nothing to do with traditional basketball skill; it’s his body language. That may seem minimal, but how one presents themselves in trying times is a major part of being a leader, and he doesn’t currently show the composure that teammates rally around.

It’s hard to harp too much on a 19-year-old’s maturity level, but he needs to handle himself better in difficult moments.

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