{"numbering":"asc","slides":[{"index":1,"title":"2016 NBA draft","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/philadelphia/2016/06/23/usa-ben-simmons-adam-silver-gallery.jpg","caption":"

Ben Simmons smiles for pictures with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being taken No. 1 overall by the Sixers in Thursday night's draft. (USA Today Images)

"},{"index":3,"title":"2016 NBA draft","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/philadelphia/2016/06/23/usa-ben-simmons-hug-gallery.jpg","caption":"

Ben Simmons gets a hug after hearing his name called as the No. 1 pick. (USA Today Images)

"},{"index":5,"title":"2016 NBA draft","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/philadelphia/2016/06/23/ap_simmonspicked3.jpg","caption":"

Ben Simmons averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game last season as a freshman at LSU. (AP)

"},{"index":7,"title":"2016 NBA draft","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/philadelphia/2016/06/23/ap_simmonspicked.jpg","caption":"

Brett Brown said he will start the season using Ben Simmons at the four spot. “We just felt for us that Ben’s versatility and Ben’s physicality combined with how we feel like we can grow his skill package, especially shooting, is going to make him different, very different, if we can do some of those things we just said,” Brown said. (AP)

"},{"index":9,"title":"2016 NBA draft","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/philadelphia/2016/06/23/ap_simmonspicked2.jpg","caption":"

Ben Simmons shares the same agent, Rich Paul, as LeBron James. “Focus and keep your family close and make sure you have your goals ahead of you and be smart about it,” Simmons said of James' advice. (AP)

"},{"index":11,"title":"2016 NBA draft","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/philadelphia/2016/06/23/usa-ben-simmons-gallery-draft.jpg","caption":"

Ben Simmons was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, and played his high school basketball at Montverde Academy in Florida. (USA Today Images)

"},{"index":13,"title":"2016 NBA draft","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/philadelphia/2016/06/23/usa_simmonsdraft.jpg","caption":"

Ben Simmons made just one three-pointer in three attempts at LSU last season, but his versatility at 6-foot-10 is unique. “I believe I’ve got my own style of play,” Simmons said. “Being a 6-10 point guard, I’m able to push the ball up the court and start breaks a lot quicker than most big guys.” (USA Today Images)

"},{"index":15,"title":"2016 NBA draft","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/philadelphia/2016/06/23/usa_simmonsselfie.jpg","caption":"

Ben Simmons takes a picture at the draft with a few Sixers fans in the background. (USA Today Images)

"},{"index":17,"title":"2016 NBA draft","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/philadelphia/2016/06/23/usa-timothe-luwawu-cabarrot-gallery.jpg","caption":"

The Sixers selected Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, a swingman from France, with the 24th overall pick. "We got an athletic wing in Luwawu who can defend, can make shots, can do a lot of different things," Bryan Colangelo said. "But he's a great athlete and we're excited about what he brings"

"},{"index":19,"title":"2016 NBA draft","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/philadelphia/2016/06/23/ap_draftclass.jpg","caption":"

NBA draft prospects (from left to right) Buddy Hield, Ben Simmons, Brandon Ingram and Kris Dunn with commissioner Adam Silver. (AP)

"},{"index":21,"title":"2016 NBA draft","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/philadelphia/2016/06/23/ap_draftclassfull.jpg","caption":"

The top 2016 NBA draft prospects pose for a photo with commissioner Adam Silver. (AP)

"}]}

Photos: Ben Simmons goes No. 1 overall to Sixers