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NBA Draft 2016: Top 100 Prospects, Possible Lakers Targets

By Cody Williams

Nov 17, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) is defended by Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) is defended by Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 17, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) is defended by Alabama Crimson Tide forward Donta Hall (35) during the first half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 17, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) is defended by Alabama Crimson Tide forward Donta Hall (35) during the first half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Ben Simmons

Age: 19
Position: SF/PF
School/Country: LSU
Height: 6-10
Weight: 239 pounds

At this point, does Ben Simmons really need an introduction? The Australian forward was anointed as the next No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft before he ever set foot on campus in Baton Rouge. However, the most intriguing factor in all of this is the fact that Simmons is no longer in that position in the estimation of many people with Ingram having surpassed him. However, Simmons is still tops in our books.

Though his jump shot clearly needs reworking (more than just one video of him shooting well) and though he definitely needs to mature as a defender and professional, there’s no player in the 2016 NBA Draft class that has the matured overall skillset and has the potential that a player like Simmons does. He’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime player.

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What really sets Simmons apart for me, though, is the what the ceiling and floor look like for Simmons. At worst, he’s a hyper-athletic forward in the NBA that can serve as a role player in a high-functioning system. At best, he’s a superstar that can change the game every time the ball’s in his hands. With that combination of upside and floor, Simmons is still the clear No. 1. And if the Sixers go with Ingram with the first pick, the Lakers would be lucky to have him.

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