2016 NBA Mock Draft: Can Brandon Ingram pass Ben Simmons for Number One?

SF. Duke. Brandon Ingram. 2. player. 20. <p>Ingram has helped himself by having some strong games as of late. The Duke forward is trending upwards heading into the NCAA tournament, averaging 19 points, seven rebounds, and shooting 57.1 percent from three in Duke’s last two games in the ACC tournament.</p> <p>Just like Simmons has skills that NBA teams covet, Ingram’s athletic profile and shooting stroke make him the prototypical franchise wing. His 6-10 frame and 7-3 wingspan give him the tools to be an elite defender, and he sure does look the part when he is locked in. When you throw in his elite shooting, it is going to be hard for a team like Philadelphia to pass him up.</p> <p>The choice between Simmons and Ingram will come down to fit, preference, and potential. While Ingram does have the length and skill that most teams want in an NBA wing, he doesn’t have the physical maturity and feel for the game that Simmons has. If Ingram can put on enough muscle to hold his own against NBA power forwards, his versatility — a wing who can play minutes as a small ball four — could make him the best player to come out of this draft. At the very least, he is going to give you knock down shooting up and off the dribble, something that you don’t get with many 6-10 wings. The Lakers are devoid of talent at just about every position on the floor, and they’ll be happy to get their hands on either Simmons or Ingram, depending on who the 76ers take first.</p>