The debate over whether Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram should be the No. 1 overall pick -- if a debate even exists -- within the Sixers front office ahead of next month's NBA Draft likely centers around whether or not the LSU product can play alongside the team's trio of big men Jahlil Okafor, Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel.

A report has already surfaced that the Sixers could be amenable to moving Okafor to acquire another top pick in the June 23 draft. However, LSU head basketball coach Johnny Jones doesn't think there would be any concern if Simmons is the choice.

"I think that's a special group," Jones said, speaking to 97.5 The Fanatic. "I think they've got an outstanding coach and he will have an opportunity to figure it out. I can tell you, Ben is so versatile.

"They can put Ben in a lot of positions. I think when you talk about those key guys, it's going to be special for them. I know they'll make the right decisions to do some special things with that basketball team. I think Philly has a big chance to take a big step next month."

Widely considered as the No. 1 pick in waiting ever since he committed to LSU, Simmons averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game.

If the Sixers retain all three of the big men on the roster and select Simmons, the task will fall on head coach Brett Brown to carve out a role for each player. Jones says that Simmons' position flexibility will prove to be an asset in that process.

"He can play the one-through five for us," Jones said. "He can push the ball on the break. He has a very high basketball I.Q. Makes the right plays. Key plays. Excellent passer. Looks to pass more than he does to score.

"He has an innate ability to create opportunity for others. He can score the basketball at a very high rate. He has the ability to play the four at the NBA level because of his unique combination of size, strength, ability and quickness. I think he can be an unbelievable matchup problem for people in that position as well.

"I think that teams looking to create the best possible scenario for their team, he's capable of learning that and playing the positions very quickly. He's always going to try and make the right play for his team because he's such an unselfish player.

Matt Lombardo may be reached at MDLombardo@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter: @MattLombardo975 and Facebook.