Ben Simmons (Photo : Sandra Mu | Getty Images Sport)
Never mind the mock drafts, the latest word from the team picking first (Philadelphia 76ers) and the most likely prospect (Ben Simmons) is what really matters.
Despite the rumors and conspiracy theories that Ben Simmons would hold the Sixers hostage just to end up with the no.2 Lakers, the latest word is that the LSU standout would willingly come to City of Brotherly Love if they pick him. A report from Tom Moore of Bucks County Courier Times confirmed this.
"Reports that LSU standout Ben Simmons doesn't want the 76ers to take him with the No. 1 overall pick are apparently overstated," Moore wrote. "A source close to Simmons said Thursday that Simmons, while undoubtedly preferring to be a Laker, 'has no issue with playing for the Sixers.'"
While there is a chance that Simmons would still prefer to be with the Lakers, his desire does not mean he would refuse to play for the Sixers. Simmons actually has a relationship with Sixers' coach Brett Brown as his father, David, played for Brown when he was coach of the Melbourne Tigers. This connection was explored by Keith Pompey of Philly.com.
"Brown was an assistant coach of the Melbourne Tigers of the Australian National Basketball League from 1988 to 1993," Pompey noted. "He was named the head coach of the North Melbourne Giants in 1993. A year later, Brown was named the National Basketball League coach of the year after leading North Melbourne to the title."
Now that it has been established that Simmons would play for the Sixers, the question is whether the Philadelphia would make him the first overall pick of the 2016 NBA Draft.
Moore mentioned in his article that "multiple sources and outlets indicate they are leaning toward Simmons." There were also reports from other Philadelphia news sources that "if the draft was held today,(Sixers GM) Colangelo would pick Simmons."
However, Vice president of player personnel Marc Eversley avoided any absolute statements and reiterated that it's still in flux.
"It's an ongoing process," said Eversley
