NBA Draft: Top 25 one-and-done prospects of all-time

Ben Simmons took the path less taken with the LSU Tigers in his quest to the NBA and it’s largely paid off for him, despite a few bumps in the road. He instantly emerged as a point-forward prospect with his abilities at 6-foot-10.

Simmons emerged as a star for the Tigers, putting up 11 points and 13 rebounds in his debut game on Nov. 13, 2015. He put up his first 20-point, 20-rebound performance four games in against the Marquette Golden Eagles. In that one, he racked up 21 points, 20 rebounds and seven assists, though it came in defeat.

As a freshman, he put up 23 double-doubles, one 40-point game and 16 games with 20 points or more, while shooting 56 percent from the field. He easily took home the SEC Rookie of the Year award during the 2015-16 season, averaging 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.0 steals per contest through 33 appearances.

Simmons was taken first overall in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. A broken foot sidelined him for a full season, but he made his debut during the 2017-18 season to much fanfare and expectations.

He met and exceeded expectations as a rookie, winning the 2017-18 NBA Rookie of the Year award, while producing 15.8 points, 8.2 assists, 8.1 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game. He amassed 12 triple-doubles as a rookie, becoming the second-best to accomplish the feat. Magic Johnson is third with seven.

Simmons currently has 22 triple-doubles. While the 76ers fell short at the buzzer against the Toronto Raptors, more attention should be paid to improving his jump shot.