The Philadelphia 76ers Should Not Take Ben Simmons With The 1st Overall Pick
5/19/16
Even though many media reports have the Philadelphia 76ers leaning towards taking Ben Simmons with the first overall pick they should strongly consider not taking Simmons. This is because Ben best attributes on the basketball court is his ability to pass the ball, able to see the entire court and get to the basket as a result, he needs to play in an offensive system similar to that of LeBron James in order to experience immediate success at the NBA level. Where he would have the paint relatively empty so that he is able to put pressure on the defense to make a decision on whether they will double-team him or not. If the defense double-teams Simmons will most likely pass it to the perimeter for an open shot. If they do not he will shoot a jumper or drive depending on whether the defense sags off or plays close to him.
As a result of this, there is a strong possibility that Simmons will not be able to mesh with the best player on the Philadelphia 76ers roster Jahlil Okafor. This is because Okafor usually receives the ball five to ten feet away from the basket and will back down his defender by using his right shoulder and then when he’s close enough to the basket he shoots a hook shot with his left hand or catch the ball in the post and using a spin move to the left then shooting a layup or floater/ hook. Therefore, if the 76ers were to draft Simmons he will most likely be a slasher where he will start cutting to the basket when opposing defenses start double teaming Okafor or Okafor will become a face-up jump shooter who will most likely stand at the elbow which will clear the paint allowing Simmons to play his game. As a result of this, the 76ers most likely won't be able to correctly use both players if they are on the court together.
