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Simmons likely to avoid working out for Sixers

Unless something changes, the 76ers won't work out out Ben Simmons during the NBA predraft process – at least not at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

They are expected to use the first overall pick on the former Louisiana State University power forward.  However, Simmons doesn't plan on working out for  NBA teams leading up to the June 23 NBA draft.

"It's not a red flag," Sixers president of basketball operation Bryan Colangelo said. "Everybody deals with the draft process differently. Sometimes agents are involved. Sometimes families are involved in those decisions. Again, everything we get in respect to our intel that it relates to Ben, is he would very much like to be selected No. 1."

The Sixers are still trying to get Simmons in for a workout. The Australia native is represented by Klutch Sports Group, which is based in Cleveland. Simmons has been training there throughout the pre-draft process. The team hasn't ruled out going to Ohio to meet with Simmons and watch him work out.

Draft prospects not working out is nothing new.

The Sixers did not work out Nerlens Noel in 2013, Joel Embiid in 2014, or Jahlil Okafor in 2015 before acquiring them in the last three drafts.

Follow and contact PMN 76ers beat writer Keith Pompey on Twitter @PompeyOnSixers and on Instagram at PompeyOnSixers