With Ben Simmons and LSU out of both the NCAA Tournament and NIT, the projected top pick is now a pro for all intents and purposes. After such a disappointing season for LSU and Simmons’ role in it (despite gaudy and efficient individual numbers), the Australian point forward will be put through the ringer for the next few months.
The process has already started. Jonathan Givony, who runs the best NBA Draft site on the internet, wrote an article about why Simmons shouldn’t be the top overall pick. He also went on Colin Cowherd’s radio show to discuss the article:
In addition, Cowherd is also floating the idea of Simmons tanking the Sixers workout if the Lakers finish second behind Philly in the draft lottery. He thinks the situation is similar to John Elway and Eli Manning refusing to play for the teams that held the top pick in their respective drafts:
Sure, Los Angeles is technically “closer” to Australia as in the flight is a total of 15 hours as opposed to 22. The Lakers also have a more successful history in a more glamourous market, no argument there. It’s an interesting idea to float around, but I can’t imagine Simmons would tank his workout for Aussie hoops fixture Brett Brown.
And even if he did (or refused to work out at all, a la Porzingis), it probably wouldn’t affect the Sixers’ decision all that much. They likely know who they want.
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