Philadelphia 76ers: Simmons To Be First Pick; Noel For Dunn?

The Philadelphia 76ers have reportedly told Ben Simmons he’d be the first pick, shortly after talks that the team is discussing a trade with the Boston Celtics involving the 3rd overall pick.

The Philadelphia 76ers have finally gotten their workout from Ben Simmons. In doing so, they apparently told him they’d select him with the first overall pick.

Although there was little doubt the Philadelphia 76ers would do otherwise, it now shuts down any notion that the team might lean towards Brandon Ingram. Ben Simmons will now become the centerpiece of a blue print that is still in question.

The Simmons workout was big news, and he even got the fans exciting with a little sneak peek at what his future holds.

The Philadelphia 76ers can now plan on building a team around Simmons, and are working quickly to do so. Reports of the team wanting to trade for the 3rd pick have often been swirled around, as a failed deal at the trade deadline involving Jahlil Okafor and the Celtics-owned Nets’ pick caught headlines.

Now, according to hoopscritic.com, the deal could involve Nerlens Noel instead of Okafor.

This deal would mean the Philadelphia 76ers would select their coveted prospect Kris Dunn, the point guard from Providence. Dunn’s shooting has regressed over his career at Providence, but can still provide from the outside. Dunn really has no glaring weaknesses, although he also isn’t a standout in any aspects of his game.

Normally, a trade of this magnitude would come with major hesitation, but it seems like the Philadelphia 76ers see something in Dunn to constitute a major trade. With Simmons being the first overall pick and believed to be the main ball-handler on the team, many seem to believe that he and Dunn won’t be a fluid fit.

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Simmons would need consistent shooters around him if he truly becomes the focal point of the offense, but it looks like the Philadelphia 76ers are comfortable with allowing Dunn to take control and be the main distributor. This won’t mean Simmons won’t see minutes playing a point forward role, but it does allow him time to grow and transition into the NBA without given the reigns of a professional offense at age 20.

This would also mean keeping Okafor. Joel Embiid and Okafor will likely platoon at the center position, while Simmons will likely be paired with one of the two down low. Kris Dunn will start to bring this team together and make it somewhat more complete.

The free agent point guard market is weak this year, and the Philadelphia 76ers are infatuated with Dunn enough to give up Noel’s defensive prowess. Noel’s rumored involvement could also mean Jahlil Okafor‘s market value has depreciated after just 53 games. Or, on the flip side, it could also mean the Philadelphia 76ers now view Okafor as an important piece to this rebuild.

Dunn may not be the most exciting player in this draft, but he does seem to have the highest floor of the guard prospects projected in the lottery range. Dunn’s age will certainly be an unnecessary talking point leading up to Thursday’s draft. Many view Dunn’s four-year playing career as a demerit because it restricts his upside, which is a myth. While others believe his college experience will help him have more impact sooner than other prospects, which is also a myth.

Next: Sixers Can Wait On Demetrius Jackson

Dunn should not be looked at by some type of precedent, instead should be analyzed by his potential role with the Philadelphia 76ers. As of now, Dunn seems to be the best available complete guard in an underwhelming guard draft class, but if he’s shown the Philadelphia 76ers enough to prove he’s worth trading one of the best young shot blockers in the game, than there’s no reason not to pull the trigger.