This year's rookie class is making a lot of noise as Karl-Anthony Towns, Kristaps Porzingis and Jahlil Okafor continue to tear up the stat sheet.
But, fans should also watch out for next year's draft class, particularly LSU forward Ben Simmons as he draws similarities to LeBron James as early as now in his career.
Fans can deny that as much as they want but the legend Magic Johnson sees it that way. LSU never had someone as talented as Simmons since Shaquille O'Neal and head coach Johnny Jones is not expecting the stud to return to school next season.
"We're embracing the time we have with him," Jones told Yahoo Sports. "He's like a Shaquille O'Neal. Those guys don't come around often."
Simmons is also tearing up the stat sheet in the NCAA, as he is averaging 19.9 pts, 14.9 reb, and 6.0 ast per ball game and in their game against North Florida, he poured in 43 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, five steals and three blocks and all his points came without even attempting a 3-pointer.
GMs around the league are craving for the potential he offers. Here's what some GM has to say about Simmons.
"He's a tremendous talent. There is so much he can do," the GM told Yahoo Sports. "He fits into the modern NBA as far as a big who can handle, pass and rebound. High basketball IQ. He has a few things he could work on, but he is a foundation player.
"He just makes everyone better. It's hard to find players who make everyone better. He is unique in that way. Growth needs to occur, but he has a lot of skills. A lot of tools."
