Sixers Take Simmons First Overall in 2016 NBA Draft
The Philadelphia 76ers marked the 20th anniversary of Allen Iverson’s first overall selection with a bang. The team drafted LUS forward Ben Simmons, viewed as a once-in-a-generation talent, with the first pick in the 2016 NBA draft. Simmonds will likely slot in immediately as the team’s power forward, and will provide hope for the future as a face of the franchise.
Who is Ben Simmons? Is he 19.2 pts per game? 11.8 rebounds? 56% from the field? A boom or bust? Or just another kid living the NBA dream?
Simmons started out his career in Australia, where he was born, at age seven. As a freshman in high school, Simmons was called up to play at the FIBA U-17 World Championship. He shined in a 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 steals game against Czech Republic.
Simmons moved to Florida in his Sophomore year to attend Montverde Academy. He lead his team to three consecutive High School National titles, named the Gatorade National Player of the Year, listed as the number one player in the nation in 2015, and signed a letter of intent to play at LSU.
His time at LSU was short lived and very bumpy. Coincidentally, LSU’s preseason began in Newcastle, Australia in the same area Simmons grew up. LSU went 18-13 making it to the semifinals of the SEC Tournament. They were destroyed by Texas A&M 71-38. Simmons failed to get the Tigers to the NCAA tournament but was named the league’s Freshman of the Year. Magic Johnson called Simmons the best all around player since Lebron James.
Upon failing to make the NCAA tourney, Simmons declared for the 2016 Draft and withdrew from school at the end of the season. Simmons’ downfall came from 3 pt shooting and academics.
Simmons was forced to sit out the beginning of the Tennessee vs LSU game due to failing grades. Simmons 33% 3 point shooting is just a little lower than the NBA average 35%.
Ben Simmons character on and off the field will be closely analyzed this upcoming season to see if he really will be the next Lebron James, or just another Sixers draft pick that got lost in the crowd.
Photo: TonyTheTiger (via: Wikimedia Commons)
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