Chad Ford NBA Mock Draft 2016: Notable Picks from ESPN Guru’s 7th Mock

After years with favorable odds in the lottery, the Philadelphia 76ers finally struck gold, winning the top overall pick in this year’s draft. Now, the real questions begin.  

ESPN Insider Chad Ford attempted to answer all of the various draft questions with his latest mock draft. Below, we’ll take a look at those selections and break down some of his more intriguing projections. 

1. Sixers Select Ben Simmons

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Without question, the Philadelphia 76ers selecting No. 1 overall offers the most compelling question of the entire draft: Do they take LSU’s Ben Simmons or Duke’s Brandon Ingram?

Each player can make a strong case to be the top pick.

Simmons is a fantastic athlete who already has a filled-out frame and a diverse set of skills. He is excellent at getting to the rim and finishing. He’s a phenomenal distributor and playmaker for a big man, and he is a good rebounder. He’ll likely be a point forward at the next level, and the offense will go through him.

Ingram, meanwhile, is the better pure scorer and already has an excellent stroke from range. He has a fantastic wingspan and will be a matchup nightmare on the wing for smaller guards or forwards. He’s (18) also a willing defender and is younger than Simmons (19), so it’s possible he’s still growing into his body.

Both also have downsides, of course.

For Simmons, the biggest question mark is without a doubt his jumper. He shot just three jumpers all season long, and his jump shot is beyond a work in progress. His playmaking ability and uncanny knack for getting into the lane and finishing near the basket overshadowed his poor jumper in college. In the NBA, it’s a skill he’ll need to improve.

Ingram, meanwhile, is impossibly lanky and slight. More powerful players in the NBA will bully him in the lane, and his frame will make him an injury concern. If he doesn’t add bulk, it will be a major concern.

So, those are the scouting reports on the two players. What do the Sixers need?

Outside of more centers, the answer is everything. Why does Ford ultimately see Simmons as the pick?

There will be a lot of debate in the Sixers’ front office on whether to take …

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