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NBA Draft 2016: 5 reasons 76ers should draft Ben Simmons with top pick

By Andrew C. Lovell

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May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: Family ties

The idea of Simmons landing in Philadelphia is nothing new. The 76ers entered the season with low expectations on the court, but the possibility of a major victory in the lottery always loomed.

Media outlets, including Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, have linked Simmons to the Sixers since the start of the season. This piece by John Finger details Simmons’ family connection to current 76ers head coach Brett Brown.

"“This is the real story behind it. Ben Simmons is the son of someone I coached for four years,” Brown said. “I was his dad’s assistant coach when I was with the Melbourne Tigers and his mom was the head cheerleader and then here comes Ben Simmons.”"

Dave Simmons, Ben’s father, played professionally in Australia for 13 years. He helped Melbourne win the 1993 National Basketball League title and has his No. 25 retired by the team.

Brown, in comparing the two Simmons as players, said Dave’s game was predicated on bruising toughness while Ben is more “finesse.” Despite the apparent difference in skill set, Brown already has a relationship with Ben that few other coaches could.

It’s not a guarantee for success, but it’s one of those things that makes Simmons-to-Philadelphia seem like destiny.

Next: No. 4: Skill-set

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