Multiple reports suggest that the Sixers will select Ben Simmons with the No. 1 overall pick in Thursday night's NBA Draft and the LSU product has already forged a relationship with NBA Finals MVP LeBron James.
James has offered advice to Simmons on how to navigate the pre-draft process and the 19-year-old compared himself to his mentor Wednesday.
"I try to play with an edge like that, too," Simmons told USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday following the Foot Locker Media Day for Kids when asked about James' drive to prove his critics wrong. "Because a lot of people say things about me and my character. People say a lot of things about LeBron but he just keeps having a good mentality and grinding. That's what I try to do, proving people wrong by what I do on the court. LeBron's been like a big brother to me, watching me play and giving me pointers on just little things. I really look up to him. Seeing him with that championship, that's what it's all about."
In his lone collegiate season, Simmons averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game which inspired many analysts, fans and pundits alike to draw comparisons to James' game.
"I'm a big guy, but I play with a guard mentality. I got that from my Dad and it's always stayed with me," Simmons said. "I think my game will really translate to the NBA level.
"It'd be a blessing to be the No. 1 pick. Philadelphia has great fans and they opened me with open arms when I was there. ... My (goals) would be to be Rookie of the Year, to win a championship. Most of all I want to be the best player I can be and put my team in a position to win."
You can watch Simmons' workout with the Sixers on Tuesday here.
Matt Lombardo may be reached at MDLombardo@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattLombardo975.