Sixers win NBA draft lottery, Lakers get No. 2 pick

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NEW YORK — “The Process” paid off.

After three years of dismal basketball, the Sixers landed the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft Tuesday night at the lottery.

The mounting losses, the insurmountable skids, the revolving door of players culminated into the best mathematical chance (26.9 percent including a pick swap with the Kings) following a 10-72 season. The Sixers own the first selection in what is considered by many to be a two-player draft between LSU’s Ben Simmons and Duke’s Brandon Ingram.

[HAM: Kings stand pat at No. 8 in 2016 NBA Draft]

The Sixers will be followed in the top three by the Los Angeles Lakers at two and the Boston Celtics third.

The rest of the lottery order is:

4. Phoenix Suns
5. Minnesota Timberwolves
6. New Orleans Pelicans
7. Denver Nuggets
8. Sacramento Kings
9. Toronto Raptors
10. Milwaukee Bucks
11. Orlando Magic
12. Utah Jazz
13. Phoenix Suns
14. Chicago Bulls

Because the Lakers' pick is in the top three, the Sixers do not receive it.

What the Sixers do with the pick remains to be seen. Simmons began the season as the projected No. 1 pick, but Ingram has evened the race. Given the Sixers roster is wide open to be revamped, either could come in and become the face of the team. Simmons is a year older than Ingram and has been closely watched for years. His abilities to score, pass and rebound are well-documented. There is more unknown about Ingram, whose age, offense and potential is source of intrigue.

President of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo also has said the team will explore all its options. There could be discussions if another team presents the Sixers with an enticing offer for the pick.

READ MORE AT CSNPhilly.com

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