The Race for Ben Simmons

This is the type of race where you have to lose to win. Tanking exists in the NBA like it exists in no other sport. The fact that one player is able to turn around a franchise is the reason for this. Every few years a spectacular player comes along. I’m talking about a player so talented and physically gifted that teams are willing to sacrifice an entire season in the hopes of landing said player. No team will ever admit to tanking, but we all know it when we see it. This year the Sixers are tanking, the Lakers are tanking, and the Nets are just bad. And this year there is a justifiable reason why the Sixers and Lakers are throwing away the season. That reason is LSU forward Ben Simmons.

At this point in the season, there are four teams that look like they will be in contention for the first overall pick in June’s draft. Each team could benefit in different ways by drafting Simmons. Here are the four teams that might draft Simmons and the reasons why he would make each team better.

Philadelphia 76ers:  This year the Sixers are serious about tanking. It’s year three of tanking for Philly and Brett Brown has to be pulling the hair out of his scalp. During his tenure, he has been given a roster full of D-League talent with the exception of a few high draft picks and this year’s potential Rookie of the Year, Jahlil Okafor. The team has finished in the bottom three the past two years but has yet to win the draft lottery. Could this be the year that the Sixers get the first overall pick? If so, the 0-15 Sixers will have no choice but to add another forward. Simmons, coupled with Okafor, would solidify the Sixers front line and would allow Nerlens Noel to come off the bench in a high energy role. Add in Dario Saric and the potential debut of Joel Embiid and the Sixers would have a strong and youthful frontcourt unit.

Los Angeles Lakers:  The 2-12 Lakers are just about as awful as the Sixers and could easily get the first pick in June’s draft. The 6’10” Simmons will bring flexibility to the frontcourt no matter where he goes and this would certainly be the case in L.A. If the Lakers are set on starting Julius Randle and Roy Hibbert then they can play Simmons at the three spot. It’s without a doubt an upgrade at the position over the likes of Larry Nance Jr and the basketball player formerly known as Ron Artest. With Kobe more than likely out of the picture, the trio of Simmons, Russell, and Clarkson will be able to dominate the ball and the Lakers management will have the opportunity to evaluate their young point guards.

New Orleans Pelicans:  New Orleans is probably the premier destination for the star forward. This makes sense on so many levels it is insane. The obvious connection between LSU in Baton Rouge and New Orleans would make the transition easier for Simmons from a logistical standpoint. He would also be paired with arguably the best young big in the game. Simmons could play the three for the Pelicans in a traditional lineup, with Davis at the four and Omer Asik as the starting five. Simmons’ versatility would also allow him to slide to the four in smaller lineups with Davis at the five. The duo could be explosive in the fast break and the combined instincts and passing ability of the two forwards would be deadly in half-court sets.

Boston Celtics:  Boston is far too competitive to tank, but due to the Pierce and Garnett trade they don’t need to. Boston has the right to trade picks with the struggling Nets this year. With the way Brooklyn’s season has been going the Celtics have to feel optimistic about getting a top five pick in the swap and possibly the top selection in the draft. If this goes down the Celtics could get the superstar that they desperately need in order to become a true competitor in the Eastern Conference. Boston is already loaded with quality young players, but none of them are stars and with the exception of Isaiah Thomas, none of them can really create their own shots. Add a kid like Simmons into the mix and Brad Steven’s squad becomes a legitimate threat in the East. Simmons would have the most immediate impact with the Celtics because of their ability to move the ball. Simmons’ gifted court vision would make him the perfect point forward to run Boston’s offense.

Grayson Gold-Garvey, Follow on Twitter, @TheGraygo