Ben Simmons: Being Selected With #1 Pick A Once In A Lifetime Opportunity

Ben Simmons may be the Sixers’ choice with the No. 1 overall pick | Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

There has been much speculation about whether Ben Simmons wants to be drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers.

That speculation, which initially originated from a report that Simmons could earn more out of a shoe deal if he were drafted by Los Angeles, has been gaining momentum of late because the Sixers have yet to meet with the former LSU star. The Sixers have already met with Brandon Ingram, the other presumptive top-2 pick in June 23rd’s draft, twice. Once at the NBA Combine at Chicago in May and then earlier today at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, where the Sixers had Ingram in for a private one-on-none workout.

Earlier today, Sixers president of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo confirmed that no meeting was currently scheduled between Simmons and the Sixers.

“As of this moment, not yet,” Colangelo said about a potential meeting. “We’re still working on that.”

Colangelo, however, did sound optimistic that Simmons had no problem playing for Philadelphia if they did decide to select him first overall.

“Everything that we get with respect to our intel as it relates to Ben [Simmons] is he would very much like to be selected #1,” Colangelo said.

It seems that intelligence was correct.

Simmons made an appearance on “The Grill Team”, a radio show based out of Sydney, Australia. They asked Simmons directly about whether he would be okay going to a struggling franchise like the 76ers.

“For me, I just want to be the #1 player [selected],” Simmons replied. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to go first. If I go first, it’s awesome.

“I’ve worked so hard to be that guy [to build around] and go to a team like that. Wherever I go, I’ll be lucky,” Simmons continued.

It remains to be seen whether or not the Sixers will have access to Simmons prior to June 23rd’s NBA draft. Bryan Colangelo sounds optimistic, saying that they’re working on arranging a visit to see Simmons in Cleveland, where he is currently training.

Simmons averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game during his only season at LSU. He is the heavy favorite to be selected first overall by the 76ers.

You can listen to the full Ben Simmons interview here.