Australian basketball sensation Ben Simmons has been selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the first pick in this year’s NBA Draft.
Simmons is just the second Aussie number one draft pick; Andrew Bogut, who was taken as the top pick by Milwaukee in 2005, is the other.
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In the lead-up to the draft, there was speculation Simmons might be overlooked in favour of Duke’s Brandon Ingram, who seemed to fill more of a positional ‘need’ for Philadelphia.
But despite having a number of other young and talented frontcourt players like Jahlil Okafor, Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel, the 76ers decided to go with Simmons, who plays at the power forward position.
Simmons entered his college season with Louisiana State University as the consensus number-one prospect and displayed some phenomenal skills once he hit the court. His combination of size and athleticism, along with a level of passing and playmaking many believed to be the best in the country, had pundits raving, with Magic Johnson rating him as the best all-around player since LeBron James.
Despite his clear talent and potential, Simmons was hampered by an underperforming team. LSU missed the NCAA tournament at the end of the season despite his excellent averages of 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists and two steals per game.
The team’s failure led many to question Simmons’ mentality and will to dominate opponents.
“He is not the catalyst, and he does not have the mental makeup to say, ‘okay, I’m coming in here to average 25, be the man.’ He wants to fit in,” said one NBA executive.
Jonathan Givony, writing for the Vertical, said, “Simmons has displayed an apathy for defense, contact and delivering winning plays in crucial moments. Those troubling revelations in Simmons’ game are cause for concern among decision-makers on lottery teams with whom we’ve had contact.”
But despite these concerns, Simmons still proved too valuable to pass over with the top pick, the 76ers obviously believing the Australian’s unique combination of elite-level passing, ball-handling, size and athleticism will help them right the ship after a dismal past few seasons in Philadelphia.
Simmons will now link up with the 76ers squad and head to Las Vegas for the NBA’s Summer League, which tips off on July 8 (US time).
Fellow Aussie Thon Maker, one of the tallest players in the draft, has been taken by the Milwaukee Bucks at pick 10.
Maker, an Australian refugee, lived in Perth and Sydney until he was 14, when he moved to the US.
He was considered a floater in the NBA Draft, predicted to go anywhere between 1 and in the later rounds.
It’s great to see two Aussies in the top ten!
Congratulations to both of them.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Simmons said he wouldn't represent at Rio because he feels he has too much work to do with his game to get ready for the NBA. There's a saying that you don't get better at basketball by playing basketball. Maker hasn't said anything either way about Rio but has at least publically stated he wants to represent Australia I believe.
BrainsTrust
Guest
I don;t understand how there could be an issue with Thon Makers age. Because he is a 7ft footer it would be hard to imagine how you would enrol a 5-6 footer in primary school in Australia without anyone noticing. Freddy Adu who is a sporting age cheater came to the USA at an older age was actually a much older midget, same age and height as he was at 13.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Simmons has said no, and with Maker i am not sure if he has actually confirmed he will represent Australia he has been linked with Canada at times. I believe he has said he wants to represent Australia but whether that is what happens time will tell.
Swampy
Guest
Great week for Aussie Hoops. Next World Cup we should be very competitive. But other countries have improved also. France had a good draft also - they seem to add a couple of players to the league every year. I believe they've yet to qualify for Rio as well. Would be Parker & Diaw's last tilt you'd think if they make it. Starting lineup would be solid - Parker, Fournier, Batum, Diaw & Gobert or Noah with a bunch of young athletes populating the bench.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Nope jameswm... Ben ain't playing for us in Rio, but pray that Bogut does, if he's fit enough. Sadly he hasn't play for the Boomer, in a big one, for some time. And if he misses this opportunity it may well be his last chance! Hey, in the perfect world, if the Boomer could field it's very best, it'd be a hell of team. Not world beaters maybe, but one competitive, leave it all out there, tough as nails, never say die team :)
jameswm
Roar Guru
Are any of these guys playing for us in Rio? Simmons or Thon? I understand Bogut is carrying an injury and will be on reduced minutes. And Delly fully available.
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
Really impressed with the Aussies in the draft this year. Simmons going number 1 was expected and I'm quite happy that the Sixers now have a future franchise centre piece. However, while my initial prediction for Thon Maker was for him to land in the Top 10, I was quite surprised as I thought closer to the draft he would drop down lower in the draft due to the controversy over his age. Still, glad to see him in the top 10 and I think he will be a solid player and will fit in nicely with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
and to Thon Maker, two top 10 picks is outstanding. Throw in Delly winning a ring & it's been a great week for Aussie hoops.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Can't tell which is more impressive. Simmons was always expected to be 1 or at a stretch 2. Whereas early draft reports had Maker as a late second rounder and at best a late 1st after a hugely impressive showing at workouts. I think the highest prediction for him was 19th. the If Milwaukee finish their play for Delly and make a play to get Bogut back they may need a name change to the Milwaukee Boomers. I wonder if the age rumours were a product of the parents/managers of other draft picks? Wouldn't put anything past a meal ticket holder.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Congratulations to Ben Simmons, fantastic achievement, get to Rio now son !