NBA Draft Rumors: 76ers Tell Ben Simmons He’ll Be No. 1 Overall Pick

The Philadelphia 76ers reportedly have decided on which player they’ll select with the No. 1 pick in Thursday’s NBA draft.

Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com reported Tuesday, citing league sources, that the Sixers told LSU forward Ben Simmons he will be taken first overall.

Simmons also reportedly worked out for the 76ers, who will be picking first overall for the first time since drafting Allen Iverson in 1996.

Philly’s choice likely came down to Simmons and Duke forward Brandon Ingram. Simmons has higher upside, particularly if he improves his outside shot, while Ingram probably would make a stronger impact as a rookie. Both players have exceptional athleticism and length, giving them the ability to defend multiple positions.

Simmons averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game as a freshman at LSU last season. He would be the fifth player from the SEC to be taken No. 1 and the first LSU player to be selected in that slot since Shaquille O’Neal in 1992.

Thumbnail photo via Christopher Hanewinckel/USA TODAY Sports Images