All Eyes on Top 2016 NBA Draft Prospect Ben Simmons at 2015 Nike Hoop Summit
Every year, the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, Oregon, hosts the top American high school seniors and the best 19-and-under international stars. It's become a must-attend event for NBA scouts and many general managers.
And that's because it features prospects like LSU-bound Ben Simmons, who'll be one of the main attractions at this year's showcase, as well as a No. 1 overall candidate for the 2016 draft.
"I wouldn't mind that," Simmons told Yahoo Sports' Marc Spears in reference to the No. 1 overall projections. "That would be awesome. There is a long way to go. There are guys coming for that spot. If I keep working I can definitely do it."
Simmons is fresh off winning his third straight national high school championship with Montverde Academy after putting up 23 points and 14 rebounds against Findlay Prep at Madison Square Garden. He was also recently named both the Gatorade National Player of the Year and the Naismith Prep Player of the Year.
A native Australian who moved to the United States as a sophomore in high school, Simmons will be suiting up for the World Team at the Summit on Saturday, April 11 at 3 p.m. ET (ESPNU).
And he's already opened some eyes by measuring two inches taller and 14 pounds heavier than he measured in last summer:
"Just measured in at 6'10 just saying
— Ben Simmons (@BenSimmons25) April 7, 2015"
| Height | Weight (lbs) | Wingspan | Standing Reach | |
| 2015 Nike Hoop Summit, April 2015 | 6'10" | 239 | 6'11" | 8'7" |
| LeBron James Nike Skills Academy, July 2014 | 6'8" | 225 | N/A | N/A |
At 6'10", 239 pounds, Simmons now has the body of a power forward to go with the face-up athleticism of a wing and the ball skills of a guard.
Simmons' spectacular two-way versatility is what ultimately fuels his NBA potential and differentiates him from other prospects.
His core strength may actually be his passing ability and vision. While he's played all different positions in high school, you could argue the most appropriate label for Simmons is point forward.
"You don't know if he is left handed or right handed," one NBA scout told Yahoo's Spears. "He passes the ball with fire with the right hand. He has size and he knows how to play."
Simmons has terrific playmaking instincts, as well as the handle to facilitate in the half court or take a rebound coast to coast.
He's ultimately at his best with the ball in his hands, given his ability to operate over the defense with so much size, quickness and bounce. Simmons plays under control, even when on the move, where he has a floater around the key and the dexterity to finish acrobatically at the rim.
His physical tools also allow him to guard multiple positions.
But like every other prospect, Simmons doesn't come without questions.
As a forward used to handing the ball, how effective will he be when forced to play off it on the wing or block? Simmons isn't known for his long-range shooting, having made just 15-of-51 three-pointers and only 68 percent of his free throws in 2014-15, according to MaxPreps.com.
Does he have the strength or post game to man the 4? Can he play small forward with a shaky jumper?
Scouts will likely have the chance to see Simmons play a couple of different spots in a World lineup loaded with talent, from Thon Maker (Australia/Sudan) and Zhou Qi (China) to Cheick Diallo (Mali) and Kentucky-bound Skal Labissiere of Haiti.
Simmons' natural position will likely remain a topic of conversation over the next calendar year. While his role at the Nike Hoop Summit remains the immediate focus of scouts, his role at LSU should become a talking point from his first day as a Tiger.
Regardless, the upside tied to Simmons' mismatch versatility should keep the draft buzz pumping all year.
Though it's a little early for the 2016 No. 1 overall debate, Simmons, Labissiere—his teammate in Portland—and Jaylen Brown, who'll be dressing for USA, currently project as the top three contenders.
Scouts got to see Simmons and Brown play together earlier in the month (Labissiere was ineligible) during the McDonald's All-American Game in Chicago.
The two teenagers will be facing off against each other in Portland, and it's a big opportunity for a kid like Simmons to make a statement and continue building his case as an NBA prospect.
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