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Philadelphia 76ers: 2016 Offseason Grades

By Gerald Bourguet

Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons (25) and number twenty-fourth overall draft pick Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (20) pose for a photo at a press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons (25) and number twenty-fourth overall draft pick Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (20) pose for a photo at a press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia 76ers
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Ben Simmons (LSU) reacts as he walks off stage after being selected as the number one overall pick to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

Draft Pick No. 1

With the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, the 76ers had to make the tough decision between LSU’s Ben Simmons and Duke’s Brandon Ingram — a decision the likes of which they hadn’t faced under Sam Hinkie, but one that was undoubtedly borne of the fruits of his labor.

The Sixers went with a point forward who might be able to solve their backcourt deficiencies in one fell swoop, taking Simmons and committing to his uncanny passing abilities and court vision.

In his lone season with the Tigers, Simmons put up an impressive 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.0 steals per game while shooting 56 percent from the floor. His team didn’t even qualify for the NCAA Tournament, but a lot of that had to do with coaching and the lack of a supporting cast.

Simmons needs to work on his perimeter jumper, but if he can eventually add that weapon to his arsenal, he’ll be the complete package for a team still waiting for a franchise player to emerge from its bevy of lottery selections.

In NBA Summer League, Simmons asserted himself in the point forward role he’ll be taking on in Philly, averaging a well-rounded 10.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game and earning All-Summer League First Team honors despite his paltry 32.2 percent shooting.

There are questions about his leadership qualities, his assertiveness in looking for his own scoring, his perimeter shooting and his desire to play hard when surrounded by lackluster teammates — you know, sort of like he’ll have in Philly — but there’s no question he has the athleticism, ball handling, court vision and length to make it in the NBA.

With the Sixers looking to improve the supporting cast and get back to being competitive, it’s only a matter of time before Ben Simmons proves himself as a legitimate point forward and one of the league’s brightest upcoming stars.

Grade: A+

Next: Draft Pick No. 2