Fansided

NBA Draft Lottery riggings we want to see

By Brad Rowland

Mar 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) in the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers during the SEC tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) in the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers during the SEC tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) celebrates with center Jahlil Okafor (8) after a score against the Washington Wizards during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) celebrates with center Jahlil Okafor (8) after a score against the Washington Wizards during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Philadelphia 76ers

I’m conflicted on this one in a very real way. Sam Hinkie’s entire plan in Philadelphia was predicated on the team winning the draft lottery (or at least coming close) and capitalizing on the top-end talent that arrives via that module. Unfortunately, Hinkie is gone without “earning” the top spot in any draft class, and while there is talent with Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor, Dario Saric and (maybe) Joel Embiid, nothing is certain in Philly.

On one hand, it would be a ton of fun if the Sixers actually landed a perimeter-based player that could grow with the bigs. Simmons is probably an NBA power forward if forced to choose a position, making the fit a bit more perilous, but Ingram fits the bill of a wing player who can stretch the floor, create offense and generally complement the pieces already in place.

On the other, Philadelphia probably doesn’t “deserve” to win the lottery now after panicking their way off the Hinkie train. It would be weirdly fitting if the Sixers did land the top pick, but the Colangelo-led effort seems to be based more on winning quickly, and adding another top-flight young player would help them in a way that is unsettling to any Hinkie supporter.

The Sixers have a young core that I still believe in, but they need more help. There is no question that they would get it with Simmons or Ingram, and that would be highly entertaining.

Next: Phoenix Suns

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