1. PF Ben Simmons
Simmons hasn’t played a minute on NBA basketball yet. Still, his skill set and physical tools are simply too much to overlook. Just consider how important he’ll be to the overall function of the Sixers next season. The former LSU stud and reigning first overall pick definitely has some substantial kinks in his game, but his incredible playmaking ability at the four spot is almost unmatched throughout most of the league.
In terms of creating mismatches, it’s tough to find a rookie that will be more effective in doing so than Simmons. Standing at 6-10, he’s one of the quickest players in the draft and is already built extremely well for either forward spot on the next level. He handles the ball like a guard and has a level of court vision that no other player in this year’s draft class can feasibly compare to.
He has already drawn comparisons that range from LeBron James to Rajon Rondo, and for good reason. Simmons will certainly need to overcome his stark lack of a jump shot and painfully passive nature on the offensive side of the ball, but his ability to work his way anywhere on the court and drill teammates with a series of glorious passes is enough to make any true basketball fan excited.
He’ll be functioning as a point guard of sorts a lot this season, and will only see more time in that role as his career progresses– assuming he remains on the lofty trajectory he has currently set himself on. He’s going to be the central cog that the entirety of the Sixers’ offensive regime operates around, and his ability to get into the central cavaities of the defense and execute with both efficiency and precision are going to be necessitates for Philadelphia this upcoming season.
Simmons’ offensive skills aren’t the only thing propelling him to the top of this list, though. His ability to guard multiple positions has been vastly underrated throughout the draft process, as he has the lateral quickness needed to switch onto guards with ease, while possessing the physical chops needed to contend with big men on the low block. He was an elite rebounder at LSU, putting up nearly 12 per contest, and is capable of forcing turnovers much more fluidly than almost any other player at his position.
A point guard talent with generational athletic tools and a sturdy 6-10 frame is difficult to come by, and incredibly valuable as a result. He’ll be able to act as the cornerstone of the offense while opening up a plethora of rotational opportunities due to his defensive flexibility in the process.
Next: Bold Predictions: Simmons Could Be An All-Star in 2017
Simmons, all flaws and lack of experience considered, is the best Sixer on the roster.