Ben Simmons has been the front-runner for the top overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft. But now, there has been events taken place for Philadelphia to re-evaluate its position on the matter.
Pretty much since the beginning of the 2015-16 college basketball season, Ben Simmons out of LSU was the projected No. 1 pick of the 2016 NBA Draft. It has remained that way ever since, but now, just 10 days away from draft night, there could be a bit of a shake up.
The Philadelphia 76ers own the top overall pick and had the pleasure of working out former Duke University standout, Brandon Ingram Monday.
Simmons and Ingram have been the first two names on the majority of mock drafts in that respective order, but could Philadelphia be having second thoughts after Monday? It’s definitely a possibility.
After all, the fact that Ingram actually worked out for the 76ers is already more than Simmons plans on doing.
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Simmons had been vocal about his desire to play for the Los Angeles Lakers, who hold the No. 2 pick, and still doesn’t seem to have any intention in making a trip to Philadelphia for a workout.
Throughout this entire process of leading up to draft night, the question marks surrounding Simmons have to do with his mental toughness and his willingness to compete at the next level.
While there are certain parts of Ingram’s game that still need polished, he is projected to be the best player out of this year’s draft when it’s all said and done.
GM Bryan Colangelo had this to say about his workout Monday:
"“Brandon is everything we thought he was. Obviously in a one-on-none workout you aren’t going to learn everything about a player, but that is why we scouted a lot of basketball games, watched a lot of tape,” Colangelo said. “He is a versatile forward that was handle the ball, shoot the ball … he is a silky-smooth small forward.”"
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Ingram has drawn comparisons to
Kevin Durantbecause of his size, length and scoring ability. It’s a lofty comparison to say the least, but in the right hands, it certainly is not out of the realm of possibility that he could develop into an All-Star player after just two to three seasons.
Simmons, on the other hand, is looked at as more of a LeBron James-type of player in the sense that he is an extremely well-rounded.
His jump shot gives teams concern and rightfully so, as he attempted just three three-point shots throughout his lone year at LSU, converting only one of them.
All fingers pointed to Simmons prior to Monday’s workout with Ingram. This could all very well be overhyped assumptions, but it certainly doesn’t hurt Ingram’s case for being the top overall pick.
When Colangelo was asked the likelihood of Ingram jumping Simmons for the top spot, he responded, “It changes every day.”
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In nine days on a podium in Brooklyn, we’ll find out the final answer.