With each passing day, it feels like Ben Simmons being selected with the first overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers becomes more of a sure thing. The versatile forward out of LSU spent the college season impressing scouts, and it appears he is content to sit back and allow the draft process to play out.
While other players are scrambling around the country to work out for teams and prove themselves worthy, Simmons has the luxury of knowing he will either be taken with the first or second overall pick. If he is already the presumptive first pick, then jetting around the country to do workouts wouldn’t really do anything to help his cause, while a bad day, or even worse, an injury, could cost him a lot of money.
Therefore, it’s not surprising that Simmons hasn’t been jumping at the chance to work out for teams. According to ESPN’s Chad Ford, the young Australian hasn’t even scheduled workouts with the Philadelphia 76ers or Los Angeles Lakers, who hold the top two picks in the draft:
.@BenSimmons25 yet to commit to working out for anyone, including Sixers & Lakers. Won’t matter. Sixers very likely will take him No. 1
— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) June 1, 2016
Ford was, however, able to sit in on one of Simmons’ workouts along with Washington point guard Dejounte Murray, and came away certain that he would be the top pick in the draft. Recent video clips that have made their way online have shown an improved jump shot from Simmons, which was considered to be his Achilles heel.
Still, the Lakers hope to be able to get a look at Simmons at some point, if for no other reason to cover all of their bases. There were reports that the Lakers preferred Simmons to Ingram, but since the Lakers landed the second pick, there have also been rumors that they would be thrilled with Ingram as well.
Of course, the Lakers can’t quite control their destiny in the draft thanks to the 76ers selecting before them, and there is plenty of reason to be excited regardless of whether Los Angeles gets Ingram or Simmons.