Despite a number of big name free agents set to hit the open market this summer, the young Australian could become the prized addition and rumors have the Boston Celtics looking to move up into the first overall spot and grab the youngster from LSU.
Philadelphia will likely have the top pick and it would take a big offer to make the 76ers even consider giving up the selection, but Celtics general manager Danny Ainge could have upwards of eight picks in this years Draft and it wouldn’t shock experts to see him offer all those picks for the rights to take Simmons.
The latest mock from Bleacher Report has the 76ers taking the young phenom, but for a team that has depth issues, a trade could get them plenty of great young talent and a chance to get better in a hurry.
Los Angeles currently is looking to pick second overall and the Lakers must add a small forward that can score points and take some pressure off the back court. With Kobe Bryant set to retire, look for GM Mitch Kupchak to make a run at free agent Kevin Durant, but with the luck this franchise has had in recent years with star players, it looks like a young player is a more likely scenario.
Brandon Ingram of Duke is having a terrific season for the Blue Devils and has climbed inside the top-5 in the latest player rankings. Ingram is 6’9″ with a wide wingspan and tremendous athletic ability and it doesn’t hurt that he’s averaged over 21 points per game over the last five weeks.
If Ainge is unable to make a deal, look for the Celtics to use their top pick on Dragan Bender, highly regarded as the top International player available in the NBA Draft this summer. Bender would give the team some much-needed depth in the front court and could become the player they need to lead this franchise over the next decade.
