The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers Pursue Ben Simmons w Brandon Ingram?

By Bret Stuter

Feb 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid practices prior to a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid practices prior to a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 24, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) moves to the basket against Oregon Ducks forward Dillon Brooks (24) 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
March 24, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) moves to the basket against Oregon Ducks forward Dillon Brooks (24) 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 /

Trading for Ingram

So Simmons needs shooters, the perfect description of Brandon Ingram, the other top prospect of the 2016 NBA draft. But if the Sixers determine that Ingram is that perfect compliment, wouldn’t it be wise to investigate trading for his talents now? This Sixers team is underway now. If there are any cards to play, wouldn’t now be the wisest time to do so?

Why would the Sixers consider such a trade?  Well listening to what Bryan Colangelo is saying, and knowing that he has a bevy of NBA draft picks going forward, he may determine that the time is now.  And we’ve already discussed trading Okafor to the Celtics for the number three pick.

"As you look at Brandon Ingram, more of a shooter, a silky smooth small forward type. Probably can play multiple positions as well, I think you have to look at his versatility. But, the one thing that stands out is his ability to shoot the basketball above all else.” -Bryan Colangelo discusses Brandon Ingram"

What would it take to get the second pick of the NBA draft away from the Los Angeles Lakers?

Well, we still have the rights to their first round pick, which is top-three protected in 2017 and is unfettered in 2018.  You can believe the Lakers, now commencing on their own rebuild process now, want more than anything to retain their draft picks going forward.  In the grand scheme, the Los Angeles Lakers need front court help, an area of strength for the Philadelphia 76ers.  Since the Lakers were very tempted to pull the trigger on Jahlil Okafor in the 2015 NBA draft, they could get a mulligan this year by swapping out the two pick for Okafor (help now) and their first round draft pick (help later).   Refusing an offer this lucrative would be very unwise.

By does it bring value to the Philadelphia 76ers?  It does, and in a very big way.  Whether the Sixers plant Ben Simmons at small forward or point guard, Brandon Ingram is the logical compliment at the shooting guard position.  His shooting keeps the pressure on the opposing defenses, and with both Saric and Simmons on the floor simultaneously, the ball movement will rival that of the Splash brothers from the Golden State Warriors.

So that brings us to the final roster spot.

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