Ben Simmons decided that he would decline the Philadelphia 76ers’ invitation to work out for the team. Sixers President Bryan Colangelo said to the media that Simmons’ decision will not prevent the team from selecting him should they decide to draft him with the No. 1 overall pick on Thursday night.
Why should he work out for teams? It wouldn’t make a difference. Simmons and Ingram are more than likely going one and two in the draft, baring a major setback.
Rumors have swirled around the NBA spectrum and social media world that indicate the Philadelphia 76ers are interested in moving either one of their big men, Jahlil Okafor or Nerlens Noel, before the draft or on draft night. This shows me they’re trying to build their roster to surround Simmons.
Question marks with Simmons’ game include his reluctance to shoot jumpers and the lack of wins at LSU. However, in my opinion, Simmons still has the highest ceiling of any player in this draft class, which makes him a more sensible and realistic option for a franchise that for the several years have been waiting to draft a superstar-caliber player.
Will the Sixers take a hard look at Brandon Ingram? Absolutely, because the floor spacing that he provides with his shooting, but the team has spent the past three years sacrificing wins for a chance at a franchise-changing player. Passing on Simmons is way too big of a risk.
Next: Los Angeles Lakers No. 2