Haughton's 2016 Sixers Mock Draft 1.0: No Passing on Ben Simmons?

Over the next month, our draft pundits will provide their Sixers mock drafts. Here's Matt Haughton's first version:

First round (first overall): Ben Simmons, PF, 6-10/245, LSU
How did we get to this point?

Not just with the Sixers' holding the No. 1 overall pick for the first time in 20 years, but also the point where Ben Simmons is no longer the consensus top selection.

Yes, Brandon Ingram is an absolute stud, can shoot from all over the gym and can defend.

But the sole reason the Sixers embarked on this gut-wrenching rebuilding journey several years ago was to land transcendent talents. That's Simmons.

He averaged a double-double during his lone season at LSU with 19.2 points and 11.8 rebounds a game. The point-forward also displayed an ability to run a team and impressive court vision with 4.8 assists a night.

Those are just the numbers. When you watch Simmons, you see the potential for greatness. He already has the NBA physique to match the off-the-charts athleticism and high basketball IQ.

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Of course, there are the concerns over Simmons' jump shot (1 for 3 from three-point range all season) and whether his camp would prefer him to play in the bright lights of Los Angeles. Those are issues that can be pinned on countless draft prospects. However, Brett Brown's ability to work on players' jumpers and his familiarity with Simmons should help to massage any worries.

In the end, the team that needs just about everything gets a player in Simmons who can do nearly anything.

First round (24th overall): Malik Beasley, SG, 6-5/190, Florida State
With the Simmons or Ingram debate settled, the Sixers can now focus on the team's most glaring position of need: guard.

While they could opt for a point guard at this slot, I see the Sixers addressing that void via free agency or a trade. So they'll go for a scorer in Beasley.

The 19-year-old was able to fill it up from just about anywhere during his only year at FSU. Beasley averaged 15.6 points per game last season. Plus, he proved he wasn't afraid to stick his nose down low by recording 5.3 boards a game.

Beasley was surprisingly efficient with his shooting for a freshman (47.1 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from three-point range). He is a great catch-and-shoot prospect with a balanced shooting motion but he can also pull up off the dribble.

That's not to say the Alpharetta, Georgia, native is strictly a jump shooter. Playing in Florida State's up-tempo system, Beasley routinely got out in the open floor and attacked the rim with authority. Just ask Ingram.

On a Sixers team that finished 29th in points per game, Beasley should be able to find a home right away in the backcourt.

First round (26th overall): DeAndre' Bembry, SF, 6-6/210, Saint Joseph's
It's unlikely that the Sixers take on three rookies with their first-round picks, so look for a trade or an international prospect to draft and stash here.

If they do choose to bring on yet another first-year player, you can't go wrong with Bembry. 

The St. Joe's prospect is as versatile as they come and proved it again during his junior season on Hawk Hill by averaging 17.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.

Bembry impressed scouts at the combine with his athleticism, ability to score and decision-making. The swingman's defense has never been in question (1.4 steals per game during his collegiate career) and could be where he really makes a name for himself at the next level.

Much like Simmons, Bembry's jump shot is a work in progress. However, he has already started taking the necessary steps to smooth out that area of his game.

If someone hasn't already snatched him up by this point, look for the Sixers to snag Bembry to improve their next-to-last ranked defense that allowed wing players a nightly free pass to the rim.

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