Ben Simmons’ mum Julie reveals how he keeps grounded amid his rising status in the NBA

Aussie NBA superstar Ben Simmons is arguably our top basketball export ever, named NBA Rookie of the Year for the Philadelphia 76ers, but it’s what keeps him grounded that has surprised people.

Aussie NBA superstar Ben Simmons is kept grounded by his siblings, the basketballer’s mum has said.

Simmons is arguably our top basketball export ever, named NBA Rookie of the Year for the Philadelphia 76ers.

His on court status has elevated Simmons to A-list celebrity status in the US with the 22-year-old year-old recently dating Kendall Jenner and Tinashe.

Ben Simmons’ mum Julie accepts the Breakthrough Sportsman of The Year award on his behalf last night. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images for GQ Australia

She said his siblings keep him grounded as they’re all “pretty close”. Picture: Wayne Taylor

MORE NEWS

Insta model’s strict dress code for wedding guests

Is this tiny bikini too much for a public beach?

Joel Edgerton goes public with new love after winning GQ gong

“It is pretty surreal to be honest,” mum Julie told Confidential as she accepted his GQ Breakthrough Sportsman Award.

“Our family is pretty close, the older siblings keep him in line pretty much. I see him out there playing against LeBron James and Steph Curry and I just can’t believe it. He is young so we want him to be able to enjoy growing up without too much attention but it comes with the attention. What can you do?”

The Philadelphia 76ers star is one of Australia’s most successful exports. Picture: AP Photo/Brynn Anderson

Simmons is one of six children with his mother confirming three of his siblings work for him in the States and telling Confidentila he has to have security with him whenever he goes out.

“We try to encourage him not to let the highs be too high and the lows be too low, just try and keep it in the middle somewhere and you’ll be okay,” she said.

“Ben is living his dream. He was one of those kids that lived on the beach and in the basketball gym so he is very much an Aussie kid but the NBA has taken him away from Australia as it is the only place he can play that level of basketball.”

There are rumours Simmons has rekindled his romance with Kendall Jenner. Picture: Timothy A. Clary/AFP

She also revealed his team are working on a Ben Simmons Foundation, which will be launched next year, although they have not yet settled on what or who it will support.

“He loves representing Australia,” she said.