NBA Mock Draft 2016: Pre-Combine Edition

LS. Ben Simmons. 2. player. 20. Perhaps the greatest benefit for the Lakers in having the top of the lottery get shaken up quite a bit is the fact that the Lakers now have the opportunity to select who I think is the most talente player in the entire draft. For the majority of the season, Ben Simmons was widely regarded as the can’t-miss, No. 1 pick in this draft class. However, the lackluster performance of LSU as a whole and the way that the season ended for Simmons have ultimately caused many people to sour on him. <p>I’m not one of those people, though. It’s not every day that a player with the wide-ranging and near all-encompassing skill set of Simmons comes along. Sure, he needs to develop a jump shot if he wants to be a superstar at the next level. However, that’s quite literally the <em>only</em> area of his game that’s holding him back from reaching those heights. That’s an enticing proposition when you consider it in that regard.</p> <p>What’s interesting, though, is the predicament that bringing in Simmons would ut the Lakers in. With Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr. already on the roster, would LA be inclined to move one of those two to get Simmons? That may be the most interesting notion in this draft. </p>. SF/PF