Melbourne basketballer Ben Simmons on path to NBA greatness

FORMER Box Hill basketballer Ben Simmons is set for the big bucks, with the NBA star expected to become Australia’s highest earning athlete and one of our greatest. But he is determined to stay grounded.

Ben Simmons is expected to become Australia’s highest earning athlete and one of our greatest. Picture: Rob Carr/Getty Images/AFP

MELBOURNE’S latest sporting success story is expected to become Australia’s highest earning athlete and one of our greatest.

But despite global fame and an estimated net worth of $89 million at the age of 21, basketball phenomenon Ben Simmons is determined to stay grounded.

“I have a lot to prove just to myself where I can go,’’ he said.

“But I’m not worried about people trying to boost my head or anything like that.

“For me, I just play the game, and I want to win.’’

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Ben Simmons is determined to stay grounded despite global fame and an estimated net worth of $89 million at the age of 21. Picture: Rob Carr/Getty Images/AFP

The 2.08m tall former Box Hill basketballer is expected to earn about $7.7 million just for playing this NBA season and will see his salary rise to about $13.3 million in 2020-21.

He inked a $25 million Nike deal before even being drafted No. 1 into one of the most famous sporting leagues in the world.

After drawing comparisons with LeBron James and Magic Johnson, that will become small fry if he fulfils his potential in a league where the best players pocket more than $38 million before endorsements.

But, after a dazzling debut in the US this week, he told the Herald Sun he wanted to remain true to his roots and keep his feet on the ground.

“I try not to let people get in my head, say certain things or believe the hype,’’ he said.

“There’s a lot of work to be put in.

“It’s going to take time, but I believe in myself and my teammates.’’

Ben Simmons is expected to earn about $7.7 million just for playing this NBA season. Picture: Rob Carr/Getty Images/AFP

Ben Simmons as a baby with his father Dave as a baby. Picture: @bensimmons/Instagram

Ben Simmons. Picture: @bensimmons/Instagram

South Australian Joe Ingles is the best paid Aussie in the NBA this year, with a $67 million four-year deal.

Simmons is tipped to surpass that and replace golfer Jason Day as Australia’s richest athlete in time.

But he said he was not in it for the cash.

“I’ve been wanting my whole life to play the best players and be one of the best players,’’ he said.

“Now that I have that opportunity, I think as long as I put in the work, the sky’s the limit.’’

After moving to the US during high school to follow his dream and being drafted to the Philadelphia 76ers after one year in college, Simmons was “excited for the future’’.

He also wants an NBA match brought to Australia and after NBL teams toured the US over the pre-season hoped he would be able to play in a historic first match in Melbourne soon.

Australian NBA basketballer Ben Simmons. Picture: @bensimmons/Instagram

Ben Simmons takes a swim. Picture: @bensimmons/Instagram

“I definitely want the NBA to go out to Australia, and definitely the team I’m on, Philadelphia, I want them to go out there and play,’’ he said.

“That would be amazing if we could do that.”

“I think it will come, it’s going to be a great time when it happens.’’

Fellow Victorian NBA players Matthew Dellavedova, Andrew Bogut and Dante Exum have also called for an exhibition match in Melbourne.

In the meantime Simmons is shooting for the stars.

”It’ll take time, but I believe I can be one of the best players in the league,” he said.

“It’s just going to take work.”

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