Ben Simmons a future star, says NBA legend David Robinson

NBA legend David Robinson says Melbourne’s Ben Simmons has a “ridiculous skillset” and is a bona fide future NBA star.

Ben Simmons is poised to become just the second Aussie taken No. 1 in the NBA draft. Picture: Getty Images

NBA legend David Robinson says Melbourne’s Ben Simmons has a “ridiculous skillset” and is a bona fide future NBA star.

Simmons, a 208cm “guard-forward” is widely expected to be taken by the Philadelphia 76ers as the No. 1 pick in Friday’s NBA draft in New York.

He’ll become the second Aussie to be taken first, joining Golden State big man Andrew Bogut who was the No. 1 pick in 2005.

The 76ers have endured a miserable couple of seasons under coach Brett Brown and despite his all-round abilities Robinson, a two-time NBA championship winner with the San Antonio Spurs, has warned against expecting too much too soon from the 19-year-old Melburnian.

“The skillset he has is ridiculous and clearly he is going to be one of the stars of the NBA at some point,” Robinson said.

The draft will start at 10am (AEST) we’ll be live blogging!

“This is what I’ve been waiting for honestly. I’m willing to work hard and put in the time.”

- Ben Simmons

“But it’ll take three or four years at a minimum before we really see him come into his own I think.”

Robinson knows first-hand the pressure and expectation that comes with the No. 1 tag after being the first selection in the 1987 draft.

Ben Simmons has all the physical attributes to succeed in the NBA ... but NBA legend David Robinson says it might take a few years. Picture: Getty Images

Speaking on day one of the NBA Basketball Without Borders Camp in Melbourne on Thursday, Robinson said he knew how Simmons would be feeling in the lead up to the draft.

“There would be a lot of excitement,” he said.

“Just thinking you have the opportunity to go at pick No. 1 or 2, it’s amazing.

“I’m sure he is anxious, excited and ready to get basketball going.

“It’s a great moment and what you work for your whole life.”

Simmons was the centre of media attention on draft-eve and revealed he had put on 10kg of muscle since he left college in preparation for the NBA.

The Aussie teenager has also been consulting Cleveland Cavaliers star Le Bron James, the NBA finals MVP who shares the same management as Simmons, on how to handle the impending elevation of his game, and his profile.

“Just watching him and being around him helps you understand what a type of athlete, and person and role model you have to be,’’ Simmons said.

“This is what I’ve been waiting for honestly. I’m willing to work hard and put in the time.”

Ben Simmons in action for LSU this year. Picture: Getty Images

Utah Jazz and Australian guard Dante Exum, who was selected at pick No. 5 in the 2014 NBA Draft, is another who knows about the nerves and excitement of draft day.

Exum, also from Melbourne, is a year older than Simmons and the pair grew up together dreaming of playing in the NBA. He said he couldn’t wait for their first showdown next season.

“I was telling him I hope he goes to LA (Lakers) because then I’d get to play him more,” Exum said on Thursday.

“But I’ll still get to and I’ve told him I’m definitely coming for him next year.

“We’ve talked about this for so long and when that first game comes along when I get to play him, I’ve already told him I’m going to come off an on-ball screen and he’s going to have to switch on to me and I’m going at him.”

The Lakers have the second pick in the draft but after a workout in Philadelphia earlier this week the 76ers indicated they would take Simmons.

Exum said he has been shocked by his friend’s physical transformation since he finished college.

“I swear he keeps growing every time I see him,” he said.

“I feel small around him.

“He’ll fit right in with the big guys in the NBA.

“Whatever team he goes to he’s going to be a bit flexible with his skillset.”

* Follow the NBA Draft live on heraldsun.com.au on Friday morning from 9am, or watch LIVE on ESPN.

NBA Draft order

1. Philadelphia 76ers

2. Los Angeles Lakers

3. Boston Celtics

4. Phoenix Suns

5. Minnesota Timberwolves

MONEY MEN

2016-17 NBA Rookie Pay Scale

Pick 1 first-year salary — $6,531,633

Pick 2 first year-salary — $5,843,988

Pick 3 first-year salary — $5,247,958

SIMMONS’ ENDORSEMENTS

Nike- Five-year endorsement deal with Nike worth $10 million

SIMMONS’ COLLEGE CAREER

Louisiana State University — 19-14 win-loss record

Simmons averaged 19.2 points and 11.8 rebounds a game

SON OF A GUN

Dave Simmons — Celebrated NBL import with Melbourne Tigers. Simmons Snr met future wife Julie in Melbourne.

OTHER AUSTRALIANS IN NBA DRAFT MIX:

Thon Maker, Venky Jois, Emmanuel Malou