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Philadelphia 76ers: 2016 NBA Draft Grades And Analysis

By George Kondoleon

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a video board displaying all thirty draft picks in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a video board displaying all thirty draft picks in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia 76ers
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Ben Simmons (LSU) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number one overall pick to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

1st Overall Pick: Ben Simmons, SF/PF, LSU

Ben Simmons was known to be the guy for the Philadelphia 76ers. Simmons undoubtedly holds the more star potential than any of his peers in the draft class and in a Hinkie-esque move, the Philadelphia 76ers are swinging for the fences with this pick.

Although not the best fit, as many like to point out, Simmons is the type of prospect the team is hoping to build around. Despite the talented assets already on the roster not exactly complementing his game, the team will now look to make moves that will hopefully unlock his full potential.

By now, everyone knows about his strengths and weaknesses. Simmons quickness and vision is unmatched for a player with his 6’10 stature, and his passing ability will allow him to come in and take charge of the offense that has lacked a skilled facilitator. His ability to get to the rim is incredible, but he will need to polish his ability to finish once he gets himself a good look.

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Lack of shooting seemed to be the knock on him by many, which led to the “Brandon Ingram as the top pick” hype. Defensively, his rim protection leaves little to be desired but his length and footwork allows him to guard stretch fours on the perimeter.

Simmons will be the face of the franchise moving forward, and now the team must start to piece together a roster that’ll suit him and Joel Embiid.

Draft Grade: A+

The Philadelphia 76ers get an easy A+ here. Fit shouldn’t matter when considering the top pick in the draft, especially when a bonafide star is in reach. Simmons is the player you bet all-in for, now the team must do it’s best to maximize his very high potential.

Next: Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot