1. Philadelphia 76ers: Ben Simmons (SF/PF-LSU)
[graphiq id=”9shLZQ5HYB7″ title=”Ben Simmons – LSU Tigers” width=”600″ height=”550″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/9shLZQ5HYB7″ link=”http://ncaa-basketball-players.pointafter.com/l/6876/Ben-Simmons” link_text=”Ben Simmons – LSU Tigers | PointAfter” ]The Sixers were ranked last in points per 100 possessions and 29th in field goal percentage during 2015-16 so the possibility of instant offense Ingram provides will be tempting.
The Sixers need to look towards the future though and for that the best choice is Simmons. There’s been rumors that the Sixers are attempting to trade Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel.
If they replaced one or both of them with players who could space the floor, Simmons’ reluctance to shoot jumpers will become less of an issue.
The last thing the Colangelo brain trust wants to do with their first major move is to pass on Simmons and watch him become a star in LA.
2. Los Angeles Lakers: Brandon Ingram (SF-Duke)
[graphiq id=”hjl1f0TKcnz” title=”Brandon Ingram – Duke Blue Devils” width=”600″ height=”597″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/hjl1f0TKcnz” link=”http://ncaa-basketball-players.pointafter.com/l/8101/Brandon-Ingram” link_text=”Brandon Ingram – Duke Blue Devils | PointAfter” ]The Lakers have the easiest pick in the draft. They just get to sit back and take the other guy. As much as they would prefer that other guy be Simmons, they will be happy with Ingram.
He fits in well alongside Julius Randle and D’Angelo Russell, as he can stretch the floor for both of them to operate.
The Kevin Durant comparisons are lofty, but Ingram has all the physical skills to be a superstar.
https://youtu.be/gSFE9W_hwIw
3. Boston Celtics (via Nets) : Dragan Bender (PF-Croatia)
[graphiq id=”k3FNWgxgu4B” title=”Dragan Bender – Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv” width=”600″ height=”451″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/k3FNWgxgu4B” link=”http://ncaa-basketball-players.pointafter.com/l/103844/Dragan-Bender” link_text=”Dragan Bender – Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv | PointAfter” ]The Celtics need a power forward. They haven’t had a legitimate option at that position since Kevin Garnett was traded after the 2012-13 season.
If Dragan Bender lives up to the hype he could be the future at the position. The 7-footer from Croatia is drawing comparisons to New York Knicks rookie sensation Kristaps Porzingis.
The Celtics will need to wait on him to develop but Bender has the potential to be a prototypical stretch four if his perimeter game continues to improve.
