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NBA Mock Draft 2016: Sixers, Lakers Go Chalk; Timberwolves Get Their Shooter

By Will Long

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the full first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the full first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 2, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) reacts to the crowd during the second half of a game against the North Florida Ospreys at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. LSU defeated North Florida 119-108. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) reacts to the crowd during the second half of a game against the North Florida Ospreys at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. LSU defeated North Florida 119-108. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Philadelphia 76ers: Ben Simmons, LSU

The Philadelphia 76ers need as much talent as they can get. Ben Simmons is just that.

The former LSU Tiger has drawn comparisons to LeBron James, Magic Johnson, and Lamar Odom. Because of his unique ability to score, rebound, and distribute while standing 6-foot-10. And his numbers in his first – and final – season in college prove the point: 19.2 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 4.8 APG on an efficient 56 percent shooting from the field.

His statistics speak for themselves. But not only does Simmons possess the necessary skills required to play at the next level, but he also has those intangibles that are so valuable in star players. He’s a leader on the court; Simmons was in total control of his college teammates, directing them to their respective positions, calling plays, and being vocal when needed.

But one thing that sticks out to me most isn’t that established himself as the alpha dog of his team. It’s that he consistently looked to make the right play. If Keith Hornsby was warm that night, well, Simmons would feed his six-year senior teammate the ball. And if Tim Quarterman had been shooting the lights out of the gym, Simmons was going to be trying to create looks for the hot hand.

From Philadelphia’s standpoint, Simmons is probably not a better fit on their roster due to his inability to shoot effectively from deep. But he’s the most talented player in the draft, and the Sixers front office have shown before that they look for raw talent above everything else in the draft process.

Next: LA Lakers