The new kid on the block, “best college player since LeBron James” and the future Aussie Olympic hope, Ben Simmons has the potential to be one of the all-time greats.
Yes, I know, big call for someone who hasn’t played in an actual NBA game yet, however you can just tell.
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Simmons has an eye for passing on the court like no one else in recent years. The way he can contort his body, thread a pass through two defenders, and find the open man with a no-looker, it’s incredible. Simmons will be passing (pun intended) all kinds of assists records.
In the Summer League so far, he has produced pinpoint behind-the-back passes, half-court bounce passes and bullet-like assists. The 76ers have got themselves a true gem, someone to build their organisation around and a global household name.
To be a dominant player in today’s game, he needs to work on his shooting, as he hasn’t really hit his shots in the Summer League yet. Teams have been leaving him open, identifying his poor shooting for the competition. However, he did find his range against the Bulls, being the top scorer for the game.
As any NBA fan – even the casual ones – knows, the 2016-17 Rookie of the Year will be either Simmons or Brandon Ingram.
With a ten win 2015-16 season, it’s only up from here for Sixers fans.
bjvm
Roar Rookie
Magic Johnson was one, even tweeted it. I'm not sure of the names of all the commentators as each team has their own broadcasting. However, from watching over 100 games in the last season, I heard it a few times. Terrible work not being able to identify the sources I know haha.
Jake
Guest
Is "Mochael" the older or younger sibling of Michael?
Jake
Guest
Please name these "numerous commentators" you speak of?
no one in particular
Roar Guru
The hyperbole around this bloke is ridiculous No mention of how he was a such a fantastic college player he carried his team to a record of 1 win over .500. No mention of his laziness in defense, no mention of his poor work ethic, no mention of his inability to shoot form the outside, no mention of the perception of him quitting in the losses against Tennessee and Kentucky. What some people call selflessness in handing the ball off, others are calling stats padding to increase his assists. Best college player? Wasn't even on the AP or Coaches All American teams. You might want to check out what Carmelo Anthony, Mochael Beasley, Kevin Durant did in their one and done years. Simmons couldn't even carry LSU to the tournament, Anthony carried Syracuse to the title But we can ignore all this becuase he is Australian
pete bloor
Guest
Yeah I'm still not sold on that. Anthony Davis was a far superior college player at both ends of the court. Oden and Durant likewise. Not knocking Simmons here but I think we've let the hyperbole machine over heat.
bjvm
Roar Rookie
Sorry I should rephrase that to "Best college player since the LeBron James era." Just what I've heard multiple NBA commentators say over the last season, hence why it's in "Quotation marks" No doubt he'll be an amazing player though, cheers!
peeeko
Guest
“best college player since LeBron James” - what college did Lebron go to? an online one? talk about jumping the gun