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'Nervous' Ben Simmons goes No. 1 to Sixers

 

 

NEW YORK – Ben Simmons admitted his legs were shaking as he shook NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s hand and realized his dream as the No. 1 overall pick – to the Philadelphia 76ers – in the 2016 NBA Draft on Thursday at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.

The Australian forward who played college ball at LSU is considered a rare, transcendent talent. He’s an excellent passer, a lefty and is 6-foot-10.

“I'm happy to be part of the family now,” said Simmons, flashing a big smile. “It's a weight off my chest. I've been looking forward to this day for a while, so I'm glad I've made history, not only for myself, but my family and Australian basketball.

“It honestly feels like all this pressure just has hopped off me. Now I can relax, but now I know where I'm going to be. More importantly, I know where I'm headed and know I can really start working on what I need to work on for the team.”

 

The Sixers have failed to reach the 20-win mark over the past three seasons, but with an elite player to build around in Simmons, the franchise’s fortunes could be turning around. He’s the first LSU product to be selected first since Shaquille O’Neal in 1992, and joins recently top-10 selections Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor and Joel Embiid in Philly.

Simmons will play for a familiar face in Philadelphia coach Brett Brown, who coached Simmons' father in Australia.

Brandon Ingram, the other elite player available, followed Simmons. The Los Angeles Lakers selected the Duke product No. 2 overall in the team’s first major move in the post-Kobe Bryant era. A dynamic scoring small forward, Ingram is renowned for his athleticism and shooting ability.

“You kind of feel pressure (to fill Kobe’s shoes), but it’s good pressure,” said Ingram, who will likely fill Bryant’s starting role at small forward.  “It gives you motivation and the potential to be someone like Kobe Bryant, one of the greats in the game.

“I’m going to be myself. Whatever I can do to impact the game, whatever coach needs me to do, I’m going to do it.”

With the No. 3 pick, the Boston Celtics added Jaylen Brown, a small forward from California. Dragan Bender, a 7-footer from Croatia, went fourth to the Phoenix Suns. Providence point guard Kris Dunn was selected No. 5 by the Minnesota Timberwolves, and lights-out shooter Buddy Hield followed at No. 6 to the New Orleans Pelicans.

 

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