Ben Simmons is so very nearly perfect.

The Aussie sensation, expected to be snapped up with the No. 1 draft pick at the 2016 NBA Draft, produced another dominant performance in Louisiana State University’s (LSU) 79-51 win over American University on Wednesday.

The 19-year-old scored 23 points (shooting 8 of 13 from the field) while picking up six rebounds, six assists and three steals.

It was another almost perfect performance for the son of Melbourne Tigers great Dave Simmons.

The issue is, his one shortcoming is glaringly obvious to the people who matter.

Simmons’ ongoing refusal to shoot the ball from range or even inside the three-point arc has split NBA scouts over how negative an impact it will have on his overall potential as an NBA superstar.

Despite averaging 18.7 points per game, 13.9 rebounds per game and 5.8 assists per game — some NBA scouts are nervous Simmons is yet to show off his jump shot skills.

Before his win over American University today, hoop-math.com statistics showed Simmons has scored 51 of his 70 field goals from under the basket while attempting just two three-point shots (sinking one) in LSU’s 11 games this season.

Bleacher Report chief NBA writer Jonathan Wasserman reported it is too early to label Simmons a dodgy shooter, but wrote that a number of NBA scouts believe his one shortcoming is a significant detraction to the 2.08m freshman being recruited with the No. 1 pick at the draft.

Speaking to a range of NBA scouts on the condition of anonymity, Wasserman reported the NBA recruiters are divided on Simmons’ shot.

Here’s what they had to say.

SIMMONS IS STILL THE BEST TALENT IN BASKETBALL

The guy is unstoppable near the hoop.Source:News Corp Australia

One scout said Simmons remains a “franchise” player.

“Not worried about him at all,” the unidentified scout told Bleacher Report.

“Everyone who comes into the league, their shot gets better. It’s not even a concern. His playmaking ability is similar to Magic Johnson’s. He’s a franchise guy. He’s going to be special.

“Whoever gets him is going to be very happy. There won’t be any regret on that pick.”

Another said the fact Simmons doesn’t need to shoot from range shows how dominant he is driving the ball.

“Not concerned about his jumper at all,” the scout said.

“I’ve seen him in practice and it’s not great, but not broken at all. Not looking to shoot outside is a testament to how dominant he is and taking advantage of his size and athleticism.

“Sure, there are some he should take in games, but that will come, and I’m not worried at all about it long-term.”

Another said if Simmons’ jump shot was a complete mess he would still be taken in the draft with the No. 1 pick.

“Lack of shooting definitely a concern for Simmons but has shot free throws all right,” the scout said.

“I’ve seen him have a lot of bad misses. That being said, I don’t see him moving out of the conversation for No. 1.”

SIMMONS IS NOT THE BEST TALENT IN BASKETBALL

Shoot the damn ball!Source:Getty Images

One scout said Simmons has a poor shooting action.

“He’s off balance all the time, often not lined up with the basket and he has a slight elbow hitch I noticed in his free throw [that] I assume affects his shot,” the scout said.

Another scout said Simmons is far too off-balance during his shooting motion.

“Ben really kind of extends his arms straight up instead of straight forward,” the scout said.

“Great shooters really extend straight forward. By extending straight up, he’s kind of stiff.

“If you notice his back, his shoulders kind of kick backward. So there is not a real smoothness to his motion. And as strong as he is, he’s not activating the right muscles because his lower back, his core muscles aren’t really activated, his legs aren’t really activated.

“He’s really relying on his shoulders and upper body.”

Another scout said all scouts are aware of the imperfection.

“It’s certainly a concern,” the scout said.

“I’m sure he’s still the presumptive No. 1 due to showing all other facets of the game.”

Ben Simmons hasn’t had it all his way.Source:News Corp Australia

Meanwhile, Simmons says he is simply looking to develop all of his different skills.

“I’m just trying to do all of the little things,” he told ESPN after the win on Wednesday.

“If that’s assists or rebounds, I’m just trying to do a little bit of it all. I tried to pass the ball around a little bit, and we did well,” Simmons said, post-game.

“Just playing as a team, we have to focus on the defence first, then the offence comes. That comes pretty naturally for us, we have a lot of shooters and guys that can just play.”

“We’ve had a great support system so far. A lot of people have come out to the games, even though it’s getting close to Christmas, so it’s great to have everyone supporting us.”

He told LSU after the game he intends to be in the gym during the team’s Christmas break before their next match on December 30 AEDT.

“It’s a good chance (the Christmas break) for me to get my body right and get back to where I want to be,” he said.

“These next three days I’ll probably be in the gym trying to get better.”