Ben Simmons (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Philadelphia 76ers could be attempting to build a rookie duo of Ben Simmons and Kris Dunn, but it may cost the team young big man Jahlil Okafor.
The 76ers are reportedly eyeing to select Providence Friars guard Kris Dunn in the 2016 NBA draft, sparking rumors about whether the team are selecting him as first overall. But according to Tim Welsch of CSNNE, the 76ers could be attempting to trade Jahlil Okafor for the Boston Celtics' No. 3 pick, potentially forming a young and talented duo of Simmons and Dunn.
Celts and Sixers trade talk heats up. Philly really really wants Dunn per Tim Welsch. @CSNNE
— Gary Tanguay (@Gary_Tanguay) June 20, 2016
The 76ers are in the midst of ending their rebuild after bringing in new general manager Bryan Colangelo, who is expected to make surprising moves come draft night, according to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer. While trading for a proven star would certainly help in the 76ers' cause of once again becoming relevant to the NBA map, it may also work for the franchise to nurture two top talented prospects into their full potential.
According to Jaylen Young of Sports Illustrated's Fansided, a tandem of Dunn and Simmons could actually work for the 76ers on both ends of the floor.
Both players offers an all-around game, despite being known as terrible outside shooters. Dunn, at 6-foot-4, can defend point guards and shooting guards using his size and athleticism, as well as Simmons, who is also versatile defender would could neutralize mismatches at the forward position.
Offensively, Dunn and Simmons could become the team's top ball-handler and will have no problem playing the same role at the same time, which has become the trend to these days' basketball game. Dunn could operate as the main floor commander for the 76ers, who have been lacking a skilled point guard, while Simmons could play as the complementary point forward.
Surely, it will take time before these two develop into a bona fide All-Star-caliber partners, but all indicates Dunn and Simmons could work together efficiently.
