The lottery is done, and the Sixers have the No. 1 overall pick and three total in the first round. Here are my top 10 prospects available in next month's draft (June 23):
1. Ben Simmons, F, LSU, (6-10/239)
The Sixers were lucky enough to finally get the No. 1 pick, so Simmons is the move. Of course that brings on a new array of issues because Simmons sort of lacks a true position and isn't a great shooter. But his court vision, ball handling and rebounding are a rare and special combo in a 6-10 player. Fast breaks will be a lot of fun.
2. Brandon Ingram, F, Duke, (6-9/196)
If the Sixers end up with Ingram, they'd be just fine. Ingram's Kevin Durant-like frame and skill set are a logical fit for the Sixers. They desperately need a player that can flat-out score. Ingram can hit from the outside but also understands the game and will find ways to get himself open.
3. Kris Dunn, G, Providence, (6-4/205)
Dunn was a fun player to watch at Providence. His outside shot was inconsistent at best, but he has everything else you want in an NBA point guard. He's explosive in getting to the rim and should give opposing point guards a hard time on the defensive end.
4. Jamal Murray, G, Kentucky, (6-5/201)
Murray sort of reminds me of Eric Gordon. He's a little undersized for a two, but he can score in bunches. He'll likely start his career as a combo guard in the NBA but will have to develop his ball handling a little bit to turn himself into a point guard.
5. Dragan Bender, F, Croatia (7-1/225)
This is tough. I can't pretend to know how Bender will project to the NBA based on the few games I've watched of him on YouTube. His length and athleticism are impressive. His basketball IQ stands out as well. Obviously needs to get stronger.
6. Jaylen Brown, G, Cal, (6-7/223)
Here's where I'm going to get killed but I really like Brown. He's explosive and aggressive. He just needs to find someone that can harness that. He'd be an awful fit for the Sixers. He needs to be surrounded by shooters that can complement his slashing ability.
NBA
7. Buddy Hield, G, Oklahoma, (6-5/212)
I like Hield but I'm keeping his senior season in perspective. He improved his shot every year and unlike some other shooters that come out, he has the athleticism and the ability to create space and his own shot.
8. Jakob Poeltl, C, Utah, (7-1/239)
Poeltl is the best pure big man in the draft. He's a great athlete and has some meat on his frame as a 20-year-old with room to get bigger. Effort is there but needs to be coached up defensively. The Pelicans or the Timberwolves would be a tremendous fit.
9. Skal Labissiere, F, Kentucky, (7-0/216)
Labissiere is so intriguing but so dangerous. His skill set is the prototype for what teams want: Great size and athleticism paired with the ability to hit the outside shot. He was unproductive for most of the season but improved late in the season and had an impressive combine.
10. Henry Ellenson, F, Marquette, (6-11/242)
Ellenson has a little bit of Dirk Nowitzki in him, utilizing ball fakes and his ability to hit from the outside (although not nearly as consistently as Nowitzki). He has a future as a stretch four, but his defense has a long way to go.