NEW YORK — Ben Simmons climbed on stage to the sound of cheers from a Philly-filled crowd hoping he could turn around the 76ers.
Not long after the same crowd was largely quiet as the NBA draft filled with unfamiliar names.
The 76ers selected Simmons with the No. 1 pick Thursday night in the draft that opened with three straight freshmen.
Philadelphia grabbed the versatile 6-foot-10 forward from Australia who averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists to become the only player in Southeastern Conference history to finish in the top five in all three categories.