1. Philadelphia 76ers – Ben Simmons
Original pick: Ben Simmons
As it should be, the Philadelphia 76ers still select Ben Simmons with the number one overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, a very wise move.
Simmons was, by far, the most promising prospect heading into the draft, and so far, despite missing his rookie season, he’s lived up to the billing. He’s averaged 16.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game across 160 games so far in his career. Those numbers, along with an effective field-goal percentage of 55-percent, are tremendous numbers.
The only question mark remaining around his game is the lack of a true jump shot. Even without it, Simmons is a superstar. He can run an offense and play elite defense, is a superb pass and rebounder of the ball, and is an absolute wrecking ball in transition.
The Sixers would be foolish not to take Simmons, especially with Joel Embiid on the roster. Knowing what we know, the core of these two players is one of the best in the NBA. Both are under 25 and still have more developing, but for now, they are two of the best in the NBA.
Their games might not fully mesh yet, but if Simmons stretches out his offensive game then suddenly Embiid has more room to operate. If that happens, then wow.
For now, though, Simmons is a zero-percent three-point shooter in the NBA, but an absolute star.
Taking him at number one is a no-brainer, again.