1. PF Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers
If Summer League hasn’t provided any reassurance, not much else will. Ben Simmons is going to be carrying the load for the Philadelphia 76ers next season, and in the process, has established himself as a clear top option and early Rookie of the Year favorite.
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Standing at 6-10, 240 pounds, Simmons brings a level of physical superiority and generational skill that is rarely seen in an NBA player. He sees the floor at a level nobody else in the 2016 Draft class does, and is able to get to his comfort zones and facilitate the offense with ease due to his unheralded size and quickness.
Simmons has garnered Rajon Rondo comparisons with his floor vision as of late, and those comparisons appear to be well earned. Whether its operating out of the post or off the dribble from the outside, Simmons is able to weave the ball through the defense with ease and locate teammates on a dime with minimal hesitation.
In addition to his elite passing skills, Simmons has showcased a much higher level of aggression as of late, especially versus the Bulls and Warriors in Summer League action. His midrange jump shot looks relatively clean, and should he be willing to keep taking them, his scoring prowess from outside the paint should only improve.
When Simmons is aggressive, he’s able to score and create offense for others almost effortlessly. Finding someone capable of defending him in every aspect is nearly implausible, while his touch around the basket has solely cemented the scoring upside he possesses if he decides to exploit it. He’s a freakish athlete around the rim, and can finish with either hand on the low block, showcasing a level of skill development that’s rarely present in a player of Simmons’ age or athletic aptness.
This is a Sixers team that will be running the show through Simmons. He’s going to be their primary playmaker and the main cog on a team that still doesn’t produce a tremendously amount of offensive firepower at times, even with the additions of Dario Saric and Joel Embiid to the court this season.
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He’ll be the best player on his team from the first day of training camp, and that can’t be said for any other rookie prospect in the NBA. Simmons is a versatile piece that molds seamlessly into today’s league, and he’s really in a class of his own towards the top of this list for time being in terms of who is favored to win the award.