The Philadelphia 76ers made it official after weeks of speculation, as the team announced its selection of LSU forward Ben Simmons with the first overall pick. Simmons becomes the first LSU player drafted first overall since Shaquille O'Neal was selected with the first pick by the Orlando Magic in 1992. Simmons is the first player the 76ers have drafted first overall since 1996, when they drafted Allen Iverson.

The 19-year-old Simmons averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.0 steals  per game last season. The No.1 rated recruit in the 2015 class by ESPN, the 6'10" forward shot 56 percent this season but only 67 percent from the free-throw line. Simmons enters a 76ers' frontcourt that is loaded with Joel Embiid, Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor, with either of Okafor or Noel expected to be traded.

Simmons offers a point-forward skillset with his ability to facilitate an offense, make passes and defend the four. He has drawn some comparisons to Draymond Green as a large four who can shoot the occasional three, work the boards and serve an all-around game. Simmons jumper is a major question mark and may limit his potential from ever becoming a star player. But he can slide in nicely for what the 76ers need and should match up well with a healthy Embiid and ideally Noel, if the 76ers trade Okafor.

Philadelphia will head into the 2016 season with three NBA "rookies" essentially with Simmons, Embiid returning after missing two seasons and Dario Saric coming over from overseas.