Top NBA Draft prospect Ben Simmons worked out for the Philadelphia 76ers Tuesday, per Marc Stein of ESPN, indicating a promise has been made by the team to select him at the top of the draft.
Sources say Ben Simmons' workout for the Sixers today is the strongest indication yet Philadelphia has promised to select Simmons at No. 1.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 21, 2016
There is little chance, sources say, Simmons' agent Rich Paul would have granted Philly permission to hold a workout without such a promise.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 21, 2016
After reports indicating Simmons would not work out for any team leading up to the 2016 NBA Draft, this makes a ton of sense.
Furthermore, 76ers general manager Bryan Colangelo has been dropping hints along the way about his interest in the Australian star who played at LSU this past season. He has made it clear the team has no interest in trading the No. 1 pick, and the team was reportedly very impressed with Simmons’ physique when they met up before Game 6 of the NBA Finals (more on that here).
Simmons would be an instant impact player for the Sixers. Furthermore, reports that the franchise is interested in trading away Jahlil Okafor after just one year indicate they plan on providing Simmons with every opportunity to play big minutes right away.
So, while there will always be the minute possibility that the 76ers go a different route, it seems safe to say Simmons is on his way to Philly as the No. 1 overall pick of the 2016 NBA Draft.