Welcome to draft season. Off the court and behind the scenes, front offices are collecting information full-tilt as the focus begins to shift from this year to next. We’re here to guide you through these murky, rumor-filled waters and make as much sense of the climate as possible, no illuminati membership required.
First things first: the only actual consensus about this draft right now is that one way or the other, Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram will be the first two players drafted. From what I’ve gathered in talking to NBA personnel, Simmons is still the favorite. You try talking yourself out of a 6’10” savant of a point forward just because he sometimes pouts and lacks a little confidence in his jump shot.