For the 28 teams not set to play in the NBA Finals, the focus right now is solely on preparing for the NBA Draft, which is only a couple of weeks away. The Philadelphia 76ers own the top pick with the Los Angeles Lakers set to pick second.
The top two prizes in this draft class are LSU’s Ben Simmons, and Duke’s Brandon Ingram and Philadelphia will have to make a decision on which player they believe is worth the top pick. Apparently Philly already knows who their guy is.
In an interview with Howard Eskin on 94 WIP, Sixers President of Basketball of Operations and General Manager Bryan Colangelo admitted that right now he knows who he will take with the top pick, as transcribed by Derek Bodner of Philly Mag:
“Do you know, right now, who you are going to take with the #1 pick?” Eskin asked Colangelo.
“Yes,” Colangelo responded. “I know what I would do today.”
Bodner added that most believe the Sixers are leaning towards Simmons:
As I reported over the weekend, multiple sources with knowledge of the Sixers’ thought process say it is LSU forward Ben Simmons who Colangleo is leaning towards selecting first overall in June 23rd’s NBA draft.
Colangelo did add that things can change by the time the draft rolls around, and he is absolutely correct. Be it legal issues, injuries, or an amazing workout, nothing is for certain until the draft pick is announced, but if it is indeed Simmons who the Sixers want, that could work out just fine for the Lakers.
The Lakers reportedly love Ingram and would be very happy if they wind up with him at number two. Ingram’s skill set fits perfectly with what the Lakers need, and he fits a positional need as well. Whether it’s Simmons or Ingram, the Lakers will be getting another young talent to add to their improving young core.
