Ben Simmons taken as first pick in NBA Draft
Ben Simmons has been taken as the first pick in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, while fellow Aussie Thon Maker was picked at number 10 by the Milwaukee Bucks.
The 6-foot-10-inch Simmons is capable of playing every position on the basketball court with his size, athletic ability and amazing skills.
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"It is a great city and I'm looking forward to getting to the Philly," Simmons, with a 76ers cap on his head, told ESPN.
"It's amazing. I'm happy that the 6ers chose me."
Asked why he think he'll fit in at the 76ers, Simmons said.
"I feel relaxed and I'm comfortable with the system.
"Great coaches, great team. I'm looking forward to it."
There were some question marks over his number one pick credentials given his average jump shot and perceived lack of killer instinct.
But in the end it was an easy decision for the 76ers to make Simmons the third Aussie to go number one in the NBA Draft, after the Milwaukee Bucks picked Andrew Bogut first in 2005, and the Cavaliers picked Kyrie Irving one in 2011.
Simmons, who signed a $US20 million ($A26.30 million) endorsement deal with Nike and will earn $US15.42 million ($A20.27 million) over three years with the 76ers, faces a monumental task to turn the Philadelphia team around.
The 76ers were the worst team in the NBA last season with just 10 wins in 82 games and did not do much better the previous two years.
Top 10 picks:
No 1: Ben Simmons (Philadelphia 76ers)
No 2: Brandon Ingram (LA Lakers)
No 3: Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics)
No 4: Dragan Bender (Phoenix Suns)
No 5: Kris Dunn (Minnesota Timberwolves)
No 6: Buddy Hield (New Orleans Pelicans)
No 7: Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets)
No 8: Marquese Chriss (Sacramento Kings)
No 9: Jakob Poeltll (Toronta Raptors)
No 10: Thon Maker (Milwaukee Bucks)
