NBA Draft: 5 reasons 76ers should draft Brandon Ingram No. 1

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Mar 9, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) shoots the ball over North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Cody Martin (15) in the second half during day two of the ACC conference tournament at Verizon Center. The Blue Devils won 92-89. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

3. The 76ers need Ingram’s shooting

Time to expand on what has already been mentioned.

Simmons isn’t the best fit if the 76ers want some improved floor spacing to fit into today’s NBA and actually have some perimeter threats. Especially with their type of big men and the emphasis that is placed on 2015 3rd overall pick Jahlil Okafor in the post, Ingram’s shooting and shot creation from outside holds immense value.

Okafor, despite showcasing his rare touch and footwork in the post, attempted a rather lopsided 39.4 percent of his shots from within three feet of the basket this season (per Basketball Reference). He was the 76ers’ leading scorer with 17.5 points per game by a clear margin, but with a fairly inconsistent, short mid-range game at best and no three-point shot, more shooters are needed in Philadelphia if he’s going to be such a central point of the offense.

Because, as was said when discussing Simmons and his lack of range, it’s far easier for an opponent to crash the paint and focus inside than trying to constantly shift around the arc and cover a bevy of three-point threats.

With his impressive range and 2.2 made threes per game at a 41 percent rate from last season, Ingram can help in this regard immediately. Robert Covington made 2.5 threes a night this year, Isaiah Canaan chimed in well with 2.3, and Hollis Thompson added 1.8, but only the latter shot above 36.3 percent. Outside of that trio, the 76ers really don’t have many options.

It’s the ability to create off the dribble on isolation plays where Ingram helps, too. He uses his handle well to create inside the arc on pull-ups and occasional turnarounds in the post, and while he isn’t too effective when finishing through heavy contact, his speed, almost never-ending strides, and long arms allow him to glide past slower defenders and take the ball to the rim.

Unsurprisingly, the 76ers ranked dead last in the NBA in offensive efficiency last season and they need help.

They need Brandon Ingram.

Next: 2. Defensive potential

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