The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers Can’t Go Wrong With Either Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram

By Patrick Koerbler

Feb 20, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) dribbles the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) dribbles the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Having landed the first over pick of the 2016 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers now must choose between Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram. Either Way, the Sixers can’t go wrong.

After three years of tanking the 76ers and all of those who “Trusted The Process” finally reached the pinnacle: winning the NBA Draft Lottery. For the first time since 1996 when the Sixers chose a six-foot guard out of Georgetown, Philadelphia will be picking No. 1 overall, and will be hoping to draft another future superstar with the selection.

While the 2016 draft doesn’t appear to be as strong as in years past, the top-end of the draft is anything but weak. While there may not be a transcendent superstar like Anthony Davis or even Karl-Anthony Towns, both LSU forward Ben Simmons and Duke forward Brandon Ingram have flashed elite skills that lead many to believe both players could be All-Star Game regulars for the next decade.

Although Ingram had a (slight) rough start to his freshman campaign in Durham, both he and Simmons have essentially been the No. 1 and No. 2 prospects throughout the entire season. Because of that, Simmons-Ingram debates have been ongoing throughout the year. Despite which camp you reside in — whether you’re Team Ingram or Team Simmons — the Sixers really can’t go wrong with either player. Despite their differences, both players represent the new era of basketball philosophy, and how the game is being played and will be played moving forward — albeit in very different ways.

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Simmons is an extremely versatile player whose greatest asset is his play-making ability — both as a passer and as a scorer — on the fast break. The Louisianna Statue University forward is a perfect fit for teams that will grab a rebound and break out in transition, rather than slowing the pace and wanting to set up in half-court. Of course everybody knows he’ll need to improve his jump shot, but having an elite passer at the 4 position is something that’s sorely needed in today’s NBA. Simmons fits that bill tenfold.

Ingram isn’t anywhere near the passer Simmons is, but his shooting ability combined with his freakish length makes him the more intriguing option. It’s not very often that a forward with a 7-foot-3 wingspan comes into the league after shooting 41 percent from three in the college game. Add in Ingram’s age (doesn’t turn 19 until September), work ethic, and potential to gain mass to play some small-ball 4, and it’s clear to see why he’s flown up draft charts.

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Whoever the Sixers decide on come June 23 won’t come without scrutiny. What if they pass on Simmons who winds up becoming a superstar in Lakerland? What if they pass on Ingram who is the second coming of Kevin Durant? This pick doesn’t come without pressure, but it’s obviously a good problem to have. After a total of 47 wins the past three years (and 199 loses), Philadelphia will finally be in control of its destiny, not having to settle for whoever is left at No. 3 like it did in 2014 (love ya, Joel) and 2015. No matter who GM Bryan Colangelo ends up deciding upon, the Sixers really can’t screw this up.