2016 NBA Draft: Philadelphia 76ers Staff Predictions
By Josh Wilson
A few months ago, I would have been less than surprised to see the Sixers drafting Brandon Ingram on Thursday. Today, I would be increbdily surprised to hear that the Sixers were even deliberating anyone other than Ben Simmons with the top overall pick in the NBA Draft. Simmons has the highest star potential, and it would be moronic at this point to pass up on Simmons, given the opportunity to take him.
Add in the fact that every false narrative that said Simmons wouldn’t be joining the team has now been debunked, and you’ve got yourself a solid match.
Of course, added reports of Simmons working out for the Sixers, and the Sixers reportedly letting Simmons know he was going first overall make this prediction an easy one — Ben Simmons goes first. Heck, The Roots played the 76ers’ theme song when Simmons appeared on Jimmy Fallon’s late night show.
Simmons has added muscle since the season ended, and has also shown improvements on his jump shot, something we were all skeptical about coming out of the season. I’m excited to see what the transition is like for Simmons coming out of college and moving into the NBA.
Next: Derrick Rose: Almost a Sixer
Welcome to Philly, Ben. It’s the home where stars are made out of the first overall pick, and you will flourish here. The fans already love you, and you will love them back. They will be hard on you when you don’t live up to their expectations, but based on what we’ve seen so far, you will live up.