The 2016 NBA Draft is fast approaching, and rumors have been swirling around likely top overall pick, LSU forward Ben Simmons.
Simmons is currently engaged in a heated negotiating battle with Nike and Adidas in advance of the draft. It has been whispered behind the scenes that the point-forward would prefer to go to the Los Angeles Lakers, who own the No. 2 overall pick, as L.A.'s large market would give him more leverage in his show deal.
But the Philadelphia 76ers, who own the top selection, are not expected to pass on the talented young prospect. ESPN Insider Chad Ford released his Mock Draft 8.0 this morning, and he still believes Simmons will be headed to Philly.
"Simmons is the Sixers' best shot at adding a real superstar to the roster, though he's not a perfect fit," Ford wrote. "However, Sixers coach Bret Brown will be willing to build the offense around Simmons and work to get the best effort out of Simmons."
Sixers fans are naturally concerned that a potential franchise cornerstone would prefer not to play for their team. However, Simmons has insisted that he "has no issue with playing for the Sixers," according to an unnamed source.
The 2016 NBA Draft will take place in less than three weeks. Philly will be deciding between Simmons or impressive Duke forward Brandon Ingram with the No. 1 overall pick.
"It's an ongoing process," vice president of player personnel Marc Eversley said Thursday. "We're utilizing all of our tools and all of our information. We have trust in our group. We'll be ready on the 23rd to make a selection that's going to make this team move forward."
Simmons has been compared to LeBron James thanks to his impressive size (6-10, 240 pounds) and court vision. Though his LSU team failed to meet expectations last season, Simmons averaged 19.2 points, 4.8 assists, 11.8 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game while shooting 56 percent from the field. His motor is somewhat of a question mark heading into the NBA Draft, but his versatility is not.
The NBA Draft will be held on June 23.
