In preparation for the 2016-17 Fantasy Basketball season, it's time to get to know some of the new guys in the player pool.  The 2015 draft brought in a massive influx of fantasy relevant NBA talent, from a burgeoning super-star at the top of the draft (Minnesota's Karl-Anthony Towns) to a hidden jewel in the middle of the 2nd round (Miami's Josh Richardson).

While this draft doesn't have as much guaranteed talent in the lottery, it does feature its own star at the top and a depth of intriguing players who could make an impact from out of the 2nd round.  Today we'll begin a series of profiles of possibly fantasy relevant talent in the 2016 NBA Draft, starting at the top.

NBA Rookie Fantasy Profile: Ben Simmons

Position: PF

Team: Philadelphia 76ers

Draft Spot: 1.01

Analysis: Ben Simmons was the best player in the nation coming out of high school, and he didn’t disappoint during his freshman season at LSU, at least as far as production. While he wasn’t able to lead the otherwise hapless Tigers to March Madness as many had hoped, he was able to average 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 2.0 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 34.9 minutes per game. Those numbers were good enough to keep NBA teams salivating over him, and the Philadelphia 76ers selected him with the first overall pick.

Simmons is going to be a day one starter for the Sixers, as he is now seen as the face of their franchise. He has an NBA ready body, and Simmons is one of the most complete prospects to join the NBA over the last few seasons. He has elite passing skills and court vision for a big man and his basketball IQ makes those passes that much more dangerous. He can score around the rim, but his jump shot is going to be a work in progress. He is at his best in transition, though, and he should see plenty of transition opportunities on the Sixers this season. Simmons also has quick hands, which will allow him to steal the ball against other bigs, as he did so well at LSU. Simmons is going to be the focal point of the Sixers offense this season, and he’s a player that can contribute in four categories at an elite level for his position. He’ll make a great option in re-draft leagues.

While Simmons is a great fantasy option in re-draft leagues, he’ll make an even better prospect in dynasty leagues. He has all of the tools to become an elite player in the NBA, and it isn’t surprising that some people are comparing him to another prospect who came into the game with elite skills everywhere except shooting -- LeBron James. Simmons has been working on his jump shot before the NBA Draft, and while it looked improved in his workouts, it’s far from a certainty that he will become a three-point shooter in the NBA. With that being said, he should at least be able to develop a corner three-point shot, which will allow him to stretch the floor and become impossible to defend. It isn’t often a player is referred to as the future of a franchise as soon as their drafted, and that shows the upside that Simmons possesses. He’ll be a good fantasy option during his rookie season, but he will be an elite option in just a couple of years. He’s one of the best dynasty leagues prospects in recent years.

Bottom Line: Will immediately produce strong numbers in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and FG%.  Will be subpar in 3PM and FT%, may commit a lot of turnovers as a rookie.  Worth selecting in the mid-rounds of re-draft leagues.