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2016 NBA Draft: Top 10 Safest Prospects

By Maxwell Ogden

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 13: Jamal Murray #23 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates during the 82-77 OT win over the Texas A&M Aggies in the Championship Game of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 13, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 13: Jamal Murray #23 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates during the 82-77 OT win over the Texas A&M Aggies in the Championship Game of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 13, 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) brings the ball up court against the Texas A&M Aggies during the first half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) brings the ball up court against the Texas A&M Aggies during the first half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Ben Simmons, LSU Tigers

Position: Power 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

No, we don’t know if Ben Simmons can shoot. No, we don’t know if he can lead. Yes, his body language was poor enough that it’s difficult to imagine NBA teammates rallying around him.

The reality is, if you bottom out at selecting a DeMarcus Cousins type of player—an elite talent who hasn’t yet figured out how to lead—you call that an extraordinary win.

Simmons could conceivably rank in the Top 2 on his team in points, rebounds, assists, and steals per game on a yearly basis. That seems like a simplification of what truly matters, but that type of statistical footprint can stabilize a team’s efforts on both ends.

The fact that Simmons is a 6’10” hybrid forward with elite potential on both ends of the floor shouldn’t be overlooked due to two coachable concerns.

If Simmons isn’t the leader his team needs, then it’s on the general manager to find the veterans who can be. If Simmons’ jump shot never becomes a strength, then he’s still a matchup nightmare at 6’10” with remarkable court vision, plus athleticism, and a solid post game.

As evidenced by his average of 7.3 fouls drawn per 40 minutes, Simmons overpowers small forwards and overwhelms players at the 4 with his athleticism.

More hoops habit: Who are the biggest boom or bust prospects in the 2016 NBA Draft?

If having to find the right coach and veteran leadership to build a winning culture is a concern of yours, then how did you expect to win in the first place?

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