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76ers Hope To Be More Competitive As Highly Touted Ben Simmons Joins Organization

76ers No.1 overall pick Ben Simmons is "the complete package: a star player with the marketing appeal that can turn a franchise in a city into the city of that franchise," according to John Smallwood of the PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS. If Simmons becomes the player "everyone hopes and accomplishes what everyone believes he can, the Sixers become a national team again." 76ers President of Basketball Operations Bryan Colangelo said, "Ben comes with quite a bit of fanfare and notoriety. The appeal of this organization and the brand is going to be affected in a positive way." He added, "Star power in this league means a lot. I'm not saying we've anointed him a star or the league has, but you can see how much interest there is in Ben Simmons, from endorsements and commercials and late-night television. He's a star figure in his own right at his age. Smallwood notes Simmons "is considered the best prospect the Sixers have drafted since taking" '16 HOFer inductee Allen Iverson with the first overall pick in '96. The potential superstar franchise maker "has finally come back to Philadelphia" (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 6/24). In Philadelphia, Bob Cooney writes under the header, "Future Is Finally Here And Now For [coach Brett] Brown, Sixers" (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 6/24). ESPN's Will Cain said of the 76ers drafting Simmons, "So many franchises find themselves where they have no idea how they're going to get out of the situation they're in. How are they going to build forward? And the 76ers today have several potential answers to that and the reason why is Sam Hinkie. He will be the genius that is only recognized after his time is over" ("First Take," ESPN2, 6/24).

UNDER HIS WING? In N.Y., William Rhoden notes Simmons "signed last March with Klutch Sports." But the agency's "highest profile client" is Cavaliers F LeBron James, the top pick in '03. Simmons said that James has "become a friend and mentor," and they "talk frequently, discussing topics like footwork and how Simmons’s life is about to dramatically change." Simmons: "I've learned a lot just being around LeBron" (N.Y. TIMES, 6/24). 

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