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2016 NBA Draft: Ben Simmons Is The Clear No. 1 Prospect

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 16, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) slam dunks against the Kennesaw State Owls during the first half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) slam dunks against the Kennesaw State Owls during the first half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Polarizing as he may be, LSU Tigers star Ben Simmons is the best prospect in the 2016 NBA Draft.

Nov 16, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) slam dunks against the Kennesaw State Owls during the first half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) slam dunks against the Kennesaw State Owls during the first half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Few prospects in NBA Draft history have been as divisive as LSU Tigers star Ben Simmons. Yet, for all of the criticism that he receives, Simmons is still sitting atop a number of draft boards across the Association.

While there’s an understandable amount of skepticism, no debate should be raging; Simmons is the clear No. 1 prospect in the 2016 NBA Draft.

The criticism Simmons faces is based on his enigmatic jump shot and his oft-questioned ability to lead. LSU missed the NCAA Tournament, and Simmons’ body language was off-putting to some during times of trial.

Fair as that all may be, it’s irrational to take a 19-year-old’s maturity level—a strange focal point by outsiders who don’t personally know him—and determine that he’ll be of the same mentality for the rest of his life.

There are a number of tantalizing alternatives, including Dragan Bender, Jaylen Brown, Kris Dunn, Buddy Hield, Brandon Ingram, and Jamal Murray. For as exciting as they may be, none provide what Simmons is able to.

Understanding the remarkable nature of what Simmons brings to the table goes far beyond the obviou, and delves into some realities that are currently being ignored.

Next: Athleticism

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