The 76ers got their No. 1 pick, and the Lakers got their No. 1 pick – if you believe the leaks.
Philadelphia selected Simmons with the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA draft, and the Lakers followed with the equally unsurprising Brandon Ingram at No. 2.
The Lakers reportedly would’ve selected Ingram if they landed the top pick, but the 76ers had to make the choice in this two-player draft (it wasn’t much of a choice if you ask me). The Lakers could just take whichever player was left.
Simmons brings hope to a franchise that gave up all pretenses of winning to get high draft picks. There’s a lot of pressure on him to justify the process, but Philadelphia fans are starving for any success. It’s not a high bar, and I think the talented Simmons will clear it.
Ingram steps into an even larger market, entering Kobe Bryant’s shadow on the wing for the Lakers. His shooting touch and length give him plenty of hope of flourishing.
With those two expected picks out of the way, the real intrigue of the draft begins at No. 3.