Dunking With Wolves
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An early look at the Timberwolves’ draft board

By Nolan Schmidt

Jan 26, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) reacts against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. LSU defeated Georgia 89-85. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) reacts against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. LSU defeated Georgia 89-85. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 26, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) drives past Georgia Bulldogs forward Yante Maten (1) during the first half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) drives past Georgia Bulldogs forward Yante Maten (1) during the first half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Ben Simmons– Forward, LSU

2015-16 Stats: 19.8 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.8 SPG

Player Strengths: With Simmons, it’s less about what he can’t do and more about what he can do. He is a solid performer in every facet of the game. At 6-foot-10, 225 pounds, he holds the size that can make him a match-up nightmare for opposing defenses. And couple that with the fact that Simmons essentially plays the point guard position for LSU.

He loves to attack the rim, can finish effortlessly with either hand, and he can handle the ball better than a lot of full-time point guards, too. On top of all that, he has tremendous court vision, is an excellent passer, and gobbles up rebounds like they’re salt & vinegar Pringles. Simmons truly is a generational talent, and he is probably the most coveted prospect since LeBron James came out of high school in 2003.

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Player Weakness: The only real criticism on Simmons is his lack of  jump-shot attempts, which have come at a premium this season at LSU. Simmons doesn’t need to shoot a lot of jump-shots right now because no defense can stop him when he’s attacking the rim. That said, Simmons has not been overly successful with the jumpers he has taken this season.

At this point, scouts are not worried about Simmons’ jump-shot, as they hope they can develop that in time. Remember, LeBron couldn’t shoot coming in, and look where he’s at now — the best player in the world, and he’s still not a great shooter! Simmons’ jumper is not something that needs to be worried about as of now.

Player Comparison: I tried to think of a player besides LeBron to compare Simmons to, but I just can’t think of one. Simmons’ raw athleticism and advanced fundamentals are almost mirror images of LeBron in 2003. The comparison’s are actually quite freaky when you think about it.

However, Simmons will go number-one overall, and the Wolves will have to get lucky in the lottery to get that number one pick. We have seen some very crazy things happen in the draft lottery, so I will not rule it out until I see it.

Next: Raw Talent

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