Future Watch: 2016 NBA Draft #1 Overall Pick Ben Simmons – The Philadelphia 76’ers added, what they believe will be a cornerstone of the team’s foundation for the next several years. Long considered the most likely number one overall draft pick, the Sixers wasted no time, once on the clock, in selecting Ben Simmons.
A small forward from LSU, Simmons has a high basketball IQ, is coachable and possesses solid all-around skills.
Ben Simmons NBA Draft Player Profile
After sweeping all prep honors in 2015 (Gatorade National Player of the Year, Naismith Prep Player of the Year, McDonald’s All-American, Parade All-American), Simmons played one year at LSU before declaring his eligibility for the NBA Draft.
He put up solid numbers for the Tigers including per-game averages of: 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.0 steals. He is credited with being a gifted play-maker and can facilitate the pass or score in transition.
Prior to the NBA Draft, Simmons character was called into question for various off-court issues. However, these were quickly squashed as a non-issue by Sixers coach Brett Brown, who is actually a friend of the Simmons family.
The start of the 2016-17 NBA trading card season is still several months away. The league’s exclusive licensed trading card manufacturer, Panini America, will release its first set of the new season in October, with NBA Hoops.
However, collectors looking for Ben Simmons NBA rookie basketball cards will not find them in Panini NBA basketball card products. Upper Deck has signed Simmons to an exclusive autographed memorabilia and trading card deal.
The company’s, soon to be released product, 2016 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions will feature the first ON-CARD autographs of the NBA’s number one overall pick. Goodwin Champions is scheduled to release on Wednesday, July 13th, 2016. In addition, a variety of Ben Simmons autographed memorabilia is currently available through Upper Deck Authenticated.
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