The Sixer Sense
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2016 NBA Draft: Philadelphia 76ers Staff Predictions

By Josh Wilson

Nov 9, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; The Philadelphia 76ers logo on the warm up shirt of center Jahlil Okafor (not pictured) prior to action against the Chicago Bulls at Wells Fargo Center. The Bulls won 111-88. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; The Philadelphia 76ers logo on the warm up shirt of center Jahlil Okafor (not pictured) prior to action against the Chicago Bulls at Wells Fargo Center. The Bulls won 111-88. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Some members of The Sixer Sense staff predicted who the team would take first overall in Thursday night’s NBA Draft.

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Obviously, Simmons’s stock is very high. He has what the big show is looking for. Simmons is a small forward/power forward with the best ball-handling ability of a player in the NBA draft in recent memory, especially for a player of his position and size. He has unlimited potential. Simmons has a lot of panache. He can bring the ball up the floor, run the wing on the break, and finish in the post. Every scout and general manager is impressed with the guard skills in his arsenal. Simmons is also a scouting report defense nightmare. Who guards him and how does he disrupt the opponents lineup? Perhaps considerably.

If he dedicates himself to NBA conditioning and coaching he will be an NBA All-Star. He has been anointed by the media as the proverbial number one and they are probably correct. He needs to keep improving the jumper and range but has a soft touch. Head Coach Brown will make him a battling, swarming, defender in the NBA. Brett Brown will also use the Aussie connection to reinforce the so called “model citizen” syndrome. In other words, Simmons will be just fine, but young SEC talents need to create the perception that they submit reform, in our less than forward thinking fan sectors.

Simmons can pass off the dribble and reminds some of Lebron because of his size and passing ability along with his handle. After watching Simmons you might also think of John Wall. Simmons is a player that finishes with an opposite hand. In other words, in driving he is lefty dominate, but prefers to shoot righty when in close. He also changes direction very well on the perimeter and seems to not mind contact. One offensive flaw might be his footwork on cuts. At times he simply slides his feet and doesn’t really lift his knees when moving without the ball and he plays a very upright game. When he is engaged however, Simmons answers the bell. Go Sixers.

— Dan Falcone

Next: Kevin Kolodziej