The 2016 NBA Draft is three weeks from this Thursday, and while mock drafts are coming out every which way, there seems to be a consensus opinion on the first two picks.
LSU’s Ben Simmons and Duke’s Brandon Ingram separated themselves from the rest of the draft class long ago, and nothing has changed. For the Los Angeles Lakers, who have the No. 2 overall pick, they can sit back and draft the player that the Philadelphia 76ers don’t select with the top pick.
Since the night of the NBA Draft Lottery, all indications have pointed towards the Sixers drafting Simmons, leaving Ingram available for the Lakers. On Tuesday, 76ers president of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo admitted that his mind is made up and he knows who the team will select on June 23.
Colangelo was asked on a Philadelphia radio show if the decision has been made. “Yes,” Colangelo said. “I know what I would do today.”
Derek Bodner of Phillymag.com reports that, barring a miraculous change, Simmons will be the pick.
As I reported over the weekend, multiple sources with knowledge of the Sixers’ thought process say it is LSU forward Ben Simmons who Colangleo is leaning toward selecting first overall in June 23rd’s NBA draft.
Simmons is widely believed to possess the greatest amount of superstar potential in this draft class, so it comes as no surprise that Philadelphia wants him. That would presumably lead the Lakers to draft Ingram, who fits seamlessly into their new offensive system and roster.
You never know if something might change in the weeks leading up to the draft, but if everything stays put, it appears Simmons will end up in Philly, while Ingram heads to Los Angeles.
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