Forget 2017 NBA Draft Philadelphia 76ers Have Ben Simmons Next Year

The Philadelphia 76ers own a huge chunk of the 60 slot 2017 NBA Draft. But ignore the five or six picks, the real 2017-2018 story in Philadelphia is Ben Simmons

The Philadelphia 76ers have been down this road each of the past four years. March Madness leads to that NBA draft Hoops Hype each year. Last year, the Philadelphia 76ers waged the internal debate over Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram. Despite a season ending injury in preseason, Ben Simmons remains the right choice.

And now, the Philadelphia 76ers joins the NBA in the anticipation of the 2017 NBA Draft. But much like the build up to the 2016 draft, the Philadelphia 76ers have a huge advantage in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Live Feed

Pass or Pursue: 3 High-Profile Spurs Trade Targets from Bleacher Report /

Air Alamo

4 Trae Young trades the Hawks should considerFanSided

The Whiteboard: Wild cards who could reshape the 2023-24 NBA seasonFanSided

5 Players Blazers could swap Jerami Grant for to keep tanking hopes aliveRip City Project

NBA Rumors: Ben Simmons in best shape of his life for third time in 3 yearsFanSided

NBA rumors: Erik Spoelstra is a trojan horse, surprise suitor for JaVale McGee, Ben Simmons still loves PhillyFanSided

In 2016, the Philadelphia 76ers also had the debut of Joel Embiid and Dario Saric blending with the arrival of rookies from that 2016 NBA Draft. While the team never got the benefit of Ben Simmons from that draft, and only 31 games out of Joel Embiid, the impact of a partial Embiid and a season of Dario Saric was enough to raise the bar for this team.

Second Verse, Same As The First

Now, 2017 appears to be following a similar pattern. A return of Joel Embiid (hopefully with a full workload) plus the debut of Ben Simmons will set up the Philadelphia 76ers to succeed regardless of WHAT happens in that 2017 NBA Draft.

You see, the Philadelphia 76ers know the incredible forte’ of Joel Embiid, even diluted with caps on playing minutes. He had an outstanding impact on the team’s progress, even if only playing 31 games. His defense at the rim elevated the team to the level of playoff team. His offense eventually caught up. In the end, the Philadelphia 76ers improved across the board.

Part of the confidence in Joel Embiid before he played was his incredible rating in an index known as BPM. He scored third with a BPM Index of 14.9. The next highest measurement? Ben Simmons at 12.8. What does it all mean?

Simply stated, the Philadelphia 76ers 2017-2018 season is already loaded. With Furkan Korkmaz, Joel Embiid’s return to health, and Ben Simmons, the team will be far deeper and more talented. With or without the top pick or picks of the 2017 NBA Draft, the team already will benefit from a selected top pick talent.

Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

No Rookie Rookie

After all the hype settles down, the top prospects of the 2017 NBA draft will be NBA rookies. Last years best scoring prospect, Brandon Ingram, is averaging 9.0 points per game this year on nearly 30 minutes of playing time. Whether you sit in the camp of Markelle Fultz, or Lonzo Ball, or any of the half dozen or so names in the discussion, expect similar results.

Live Feed

Will the Charlotte Hornets be in the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery? /

Swarm and Sting

Cleveland Cavaliers’ 10 biggest draft busts since 2000King James Gospel

Latest 2024 mock draft has Washington Wizards land an explosive athleteWiz of Awes

3 reasons why Johnny Davis may never grow to his draft positionWiz of Awes

Meet Cooper Flagg: The best American prospect since LeBron JamesHoops Habit

Where do the Washington Wizards rank in terms of future draft assets?Wiz of Awes

Ben Simmons, despite being out for a season, has been coached and practiced to an NBA caliber game. Shot mechanics are worked out. On one hand, he has been around his teammates for the past year. On the other hand, Simmons knows them, watched them play for the season. In fact, he can guess where they will be even without being involved in plays.

Versatile Wins

As other rookies are still familiarizing themselves, Ben Simmons is an “old pro”, much like the early impact of Joel Embiid this season. And with the Philadelphia 76ers roster developing this season, the impact of Ben Simmons among the current roster will be greatly amplified.

Versatility is the name of the game of modern basketball. The Philadelphia 76ers boast Dario Saric and Robert Covington, two very versatile players, already. Simmons will likely produce at a similar level next year.

While the NBA Lottery holds the key to many NBA teams’ futures, it doesn’t have quite the zip it once did in Philadelphia. The 76ers will get Ben Simmons back next season. Anyone else will merely be icing on the cake.

If You Think The 76ers Are Playoff Bound Next Season Read: Philadelphia 76ers Should Oppose NBA Insistence Stars Play 82 Game Season

As projections for the 2017 NBA Draft continue to pour in, keep things in perspective. The Philadelphia 76ers hold five or six picks of the 60 available. That means the team already has plenty of incoming rookies. And if you trust the results of Brown’s work with Covington, Saric, or even point guard T.J. McConnell, you expect he’ll have similar results with the next class of incoming players.

It would be great if the Philadelphia 76ers could land the top pick of the 2017 NBA Draft, but it’s not needed. The 76ers are already on track to compete for a playoff spot in the 2017-2018 season. Whatever the 2017 NBA Draft may hold for the Philadelphia 76ers, it doesn’t hold the keys to the franchise.

Next: Joel Embiid to Undergo Surgery for Torn Meniscus

Ben Simmons already has the keys, and he isn’t giving them back.