Fansided

2016 NBA Draft: where are they now?

By Brandon Jefferson

TORONTO, ON - MAY 7: Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) reaches in on Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43). Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers in1st half action of Round 2, Game 5 of NBA playoff play at Scotiabank Arena. Raptors win 125-89 and now lead series 3-2. Toronto Star/Rick Madonik (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 7: Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) reaches in on Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43). Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers in1st half action of Round 2, Game 5 of NBA playoff play at Scotiabank Arena. Raptors win 125-89 and now lead series 3-2. Toronto Star/Rick Madonik (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 23: Ben Simmons points after being selected number one overall by the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2016 NBA Draft on June 23, 2016 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 23: Ben Simmons points after being selected number one overall by the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2016 NBA Draft on June 23, 2016 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers

Entering the 2015-16 NCAA season, Ben Simmons was supposed to be the dominant force. His choice to attend Louisiana State University (LSU) instead of one of the college basketball blue-blood schools made the Tigers appointment viewing. However, the Tigers failed to make the NCAA Tournament and Simmons left campus before the team even began playing in the NIT. Yet, team disappointment didn’t overshadow the fact that Simmons’ singular accomplishments were extraordinary. He averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and two steals per game over the course of 33 contests.

Leading up to the draft a debate broke out whether Simmons or Duke’s Brandon Ingram would be the better choice for the 76ers with the first-overall pick — a debate that, not surprisingly, looks foolish in hindsight. Simmons would ultimately be the choice for the Sixers. He backed up this choice with an impressive performance during Las Vegas Summer League and the “Trust the Process” fans felt like their years of tanking were finally working in their favor. However, during the final scrimmage of training camp, Simmons fractured the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot and missed the entirety of his rookie season.

Fast forward to the present, and Simmons remains a pillar of Philadelphia’s present and future. Simmons bounced back from the fracture to win Rookie of the Year in 2018. Teamed with Joel Embiid the Sixers look to be set to be one of the elite teams in the Eastern Conference. Last season, Philadelphia went all-in and traded for Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris. They would lose in the conference semifinals after a seven-game series against the eventual champion Toronto Raptors — on a Kawhi Leonard buzzer beater.

Simmons is eligible for a contract extension this summer. Yet, his jump shot remains the fatal flaw of his game. For his career, he has only attempted 18 total three-pointers with the majority coming in late clock situations. It is likely that Simmons remains with the franchise for the foreseeable future.

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