Australia’s Ben Simmons says an historic start to his NBA career means little without the Philadelphia 76ers tasting victory.
The athletically gifted, 208cm Simmons became just the second player in the league’s history to record more than 10 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in his first three games on basketball’s biggest stage.
But with the 76ers suffering a 128-94 defeat at the hands of Eastern Conference heavyweights Toronto Raptors, the 21-year-old Melbourne native was less than impressed with his third straight double-double.
“I hold myself to a high standard, so I expect to come out and do that,” Simmons told AAP.
After bagging a coveted double-double in his first two games, Simmons recorded 18 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in Toronto.
But after the east’s cellar-dwellers suffered their third loss on the trot, Simmons says he was not yet living the dream.
“Close to it. But honestly, I’d rather have three wins and (only) two (individual) points,” he said.
However, 76ers coach Brett Brown was glowing in his endorsement of Simmons.
The former Australian national team mentor believes Simmons’ star continues to rise in the face of heavy pressure from his selection as No.1 in the 2016 NBA draft.
“I feel what the numbers say. He has the ability to be incredibly special,” Brown said.
“The stuff he does on the (court) is very unique, with his size, his burst of speed and his ability to get to the rim and take hits.
“He’s got tremendous, tremendous potential. As both a leader and as an elite, versatile NBA player.
Simmons, who was forced to sit out the 2016 season due to injury, could not hide his achilles heel – only four successful free throws from eight attempts.
But former Sydney Kings coach Brown is confident Simmons will improve.
“We’re going overboard trying to develop his free-throw and his finishing; those are the two things that matter to me most this year,” he said.
“Three-point shot will not define him this year. Probably won’t for three years.”
The 76ers have been the worst team in the NBA during the past four years with a dismal 75-253 record.
Elsewhere, Adelaide export Joe Ingles led the Utah Jazz to a 96-87 victory over Oklahoma City Thunder with his 19-point contribution.
Also victorious were the Australian teammates Thon Maker (three points) and Matthew Dellavedova (two points), who enjoyed a 113-110 win the Milwaukee Bucks over the Portland Trail Blazers.
Patty Mills scored just just two points for his San Antonio Spurs in their 87-77 win over the Chicago Bulls.
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