NBA Draft 2016: Predicting Rookie of the Year

March 24, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) dunks to score a basket against Oregon Ducks during the second half of the semifinal game in the West regional of the NCAA Tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Ben Simmons (LSU) before the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

93. . PF. Philadelphia 76ers. Ben Simmons. 4. player

Ben Simmons is the first overall pick. He’s the most hyped draft prospect in years. So why is he number four on this list? Because of the players around him.

Simmons averaged a double-double in college, but he played on an LSU team whose supporting cast was sub-par at best. The consensus was that it wouldn’t matter if he didn’t make it to March Madness. He didn’t, and they didn’t even entertain the idea of playing in the NIT.

As good as Simmons is, he can’t do it by himself. He tried to get his teammates involved, but that only held him back, as he passed up on a lot of good scoring opportunities.

Because he didn’t make the tournament, and because LSU finished an underwhelming 19-14, Simmons didn’t get a lot of consideration for the Naismith Player of the Year. And even if he puts up outstanding numbers, the Sixers might as well be the LSU of the NBA, with most of his teammates not that far removed from college, so it’s hard to believe that this season won’t be any different.

Yes, Michael Carter-Williams won the Rookie of the Year on a 19-win Sixers team, but there wasn’t much competition for him that year – Victor Oladipo was the closest contender, and Carter-Williams outperformed him. Ben Simmons gives the Sixers hope, but The Process hasn’t ended yet.

Next: 3. Buddy Hield

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