Ben Simmons has been the projected number one pick all year, and the Philadelphia 76ers reportedly have told Ben Simmons camp that they will select him first overall on Thursday night. Simmons reportedly declined to workout for the 76ers earlier this month, which many took as a surprise, questioning if Simmons would go first overall. Simmons’ agent told him not to work out for any team, but on Tuesday Simmons reportedly was in Philadelphia working out with the 76ers. New general manager Bryan Colangelo said after the workout that it was a sign that Simmons and his agent want him to be the first overall pick and head to Philadelphia.
Sources with knowledge of the meeting said Friday that 76ers general manager Bryan Colangelo and coach Brett Brown plan to take the LSU product with the first pick in Thursday’s draft. Philadelphia was impressed by Simmons adding 20 pounds in muscle to help him out in the NBA.
Many assume the 6’10” Simmons will play point guard for the 76ers to quarterback their offense. The 76ers are still a rebuilding team and drafting Simmons can give them their face of the franchise who many see can be as good if not better than Kevin Durant in this league. The 76ers have been a sinking ship for years, owning a record of 47-199 over the last three seasons. This is the first time they have had the first overall pick during this never-ending rebuilding project, so taking the player they regard as the best overall talent is the best move.
Simmons and his stock took a little tumble after LSU did not make the NCAA March Madness Tournament, but it looks like that doesn’t matter to Philadelphia. With Simmons, the 76ers look like they could contend for a playoff spot if he does turn into the superstar he is supposed to be.
It is now expected that the Los Angeles Lakers will draft Duke forward Brandon Ingram second overall.
