Hoops Habit
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Ranking every first overall pick in NBA history

By Christopher Jeter

MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Miami Heat on November 18, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Miami Heat on November 18, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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23. 2016: Ben Simmons; Philadelphia 76ers

Tune into any Sixers game these days, and you’re sure to see Ben Simmons make some sort of play that convinces you that he is some sort of basketball deity sent down to provide endless passes.

Seriously, open a separate link on whatever browser you use, go to YouTube, type in “Ben Simmons passing”, click on one of the many compilation videos available, and watch in amazement. If you don’t feel like going through the trouble, here are some links.

Yes, Simmons is far from the only great passer in the game today. But his combination of size. strength and athleticism allow him to get to the rim and finish effectively. If the defense decides to contract to close off the driving lanes, then Simmons has carte blanche to use his playmaking superpowers to find an open teammate.

Simmons’ mix of physical gifts and basketball wizardry more than convinced the Sixers to use the number one pick on him in 2016. He missed that entire season thanks to a broken foot, but he recovered the in 2017-18 to form one of the most tantalizing young duos in the league. The two pulled the Sixers out of the risible ranks and back into the playoffs with a 52-30 record.

Now, at some point, Simmons will have to learn how to shoot consistently. Otherwise, good teams — like the Celtics in the 2018 playoffs — will clog the lanes and stymie the Philly offense. But for now, Simmons, who is a genius with the ball in his hands, has superseded his need to develop a jumper.