Ben Simmons opens up on NBA superstardom and how he admires LeBron James and Magic Johnson

BEN Simmons is one of the most popular basketballers on the planet and doesn’t mind indulging in the trappings of his superstar status. But his family ensures his feet remain firmly on the ground.

BEN Simmons has the money, the girlfriend and the trophy.

The reigning NBA rookie of the year is one of the most popular basketballers on the planet, the target of constant paparazzi attention and speculation wherever he goes.

But there are days when he likes to escape the superstar bubble by swapping his black Ferrari 488 Spider, which retails for $500,000 in Australia, for a truck.

“I’m at a point where, OK it is cool to have a nice Ferrari, Rolls-Royce or whatever car it is but it doesn’t make you who you are,” Simmons told News Corp Australia.

Ben Simmons is now one of the most recognised NBA players on the planet.

“For me, I like to ride around in a truck where people aren’t always looking at me like when I drive down the street in a luxury vehicle.

“It is cool to have that side of things where I can do whatever I want and be me and not worry about all the cameras.”

Simmons hasn’t always possessed this mindset about NBA superstardom.

When he was drafted to the Sixers as the No. 1 pick in 2016 he struggled with the surge in media and public interest, on and off the floor.

“I was so young and coming into a situation where I’ve never been before,” he says about starting in the NBA at 21.

“I was getting all this money and you want all these cars and clothes and things like that, but it took a little bit of time to enjoy all those things and the lifestyle.

“Now I don’t mind if the cameras see that.

“Because I am who I am and I like to have fun and enjoy the moment.

“I’m not going to do anything crazy out there, but I’m just trying to be the best version of myself.”

You can thank Simmons’ family for the fact he has his feet firmly planted on the ground.

Parents Dave and Julie have bought a unit near him in Philadelphia to offer support during the season, while older brothers Sean and Liam are always by his side.

Ben Simmons’ career is certainly pointing in the right direction.

This was on display when we interviewed Simmons at The Throwback basketball store in Darlinghurst on Thursday.

Both brothers welcome you with a warm handshake, and it’s clear they have their little bro’s best interests at heart.

Simmons’ approachable siblings play a valuable role in helping him maintain perspective, especially now he is dating the world’s highest paid model, Kendall Jenner.

It’s why the Newcastle-raised point guard won’t let the title of being Australia’s basketball poster boy result in a big head.

“It is special, but I just want to make sure I carry myself the right way and kids are able to look at me as a role model,” he said.

“Even though it might not be what I want to do all the time, I want to make sure I’m putting them first and I’m thinking about what is going on back home.

“I’ve experienced a lot of things were I’ve messed up multiple times.

“It may not have been huge, but simple things like what I wear or how I act towards media after games.

“Those are little things I always have to keep in the back of my mind, because somebody out there in Australia is always watching.

“It could be a kid that wants to be just like me and I can inspire them to do things and be the right way.”

Ben Simmons and his black Ferrari.

Simmons will share his story and talents with hundreds of kids when he hosts his second annual training camp at the State Basketball Centre in Melbourne on Sunday.

He will conduct two sessions on the day, one for 7-13 and a second for ages 14-18.

For Simmons, his training camp is all about helping the next generation of Australian basketballers.

“I want my camp to become one of the biggest sports events in Australia,” he declared.

“I know I’m capable of that and having sold out camps.

“I’m doing two this year and I want to make sure I’m doing it the right way and we eventually expand it to other locations like Perth, Sydney and Queensland.

“I want to make sure kids from different cities are able to go to my camps and not just Melbourne.”

BIG BROTHER ‘BRON

Fellow Australian NBA player Matthew Dellavedova labelled LeBron James the smartest person he has ever met.

Dellavedova, who won an NBA championship alongside James at Cleveland in 2016, has used the megastar’s life lessons to chase his own business endeavours.

Simmons is in the same boat and equally in awe of the man dubbed “King James”.

Ben Simmons takes the superstar approach to travelling.

“I’m so grateful to have him there,” Simmons says about his friendship with LeBron.

“It kind of expedites the process of me learning things, on and off the court.

“I think the way LeBron learns is taking everything in from every situation, moment he has or encounter with people.

“He then tries to learn something new from each experience, but it takes time to learn everything he has learnt.”

Inspired by James’ entrepreneurial ways, Simmons is currently working on multiple business ventures, and is the face of the Australasian version of the NBA 2K19 cover.

“When I get on the floor I don’t think about money, but it’s good to set myself with opportunities like television appearances to build my brand,” he said.

“But for the most part, I play for the enjoyment and to win.”

SHOOT TO THRILL

Simmons has every basketball box ticked … except for his jump shot.

During his rookie season he managed to hit only 69 shots from 224 attempts outside 10 feet from the rim, and none from three-point range.

Simmons has worked tirelessly this summer to build a consistent jump shot heading into his second season, but he brushed aside suggestions he should be shooting with his right hand instead of his left.

Ben Simmons is determined to add an effective jump shot to his game.

“It is funny, because if you look at guys that came into the league at the same time that can shoot the ball, they haven’t done anything I’ve done or anything close to it,” he said.

“That is the one thing they point out just because I don’t do it well, but I can pick multiple players in the league that don’t do anything as close to what I do well.

“But I’ll take it. I’m like OK, cool, put whatever you want out and that is what comes with it.

“That is the player I am, but I’ve been working all summer on adding that (jump shot) element.

“It’s not even making shots, it is just taking shots.

“People haven’t really seen me take jumpers, so it is a funny thing saying I can’t shoot.”

Simmons believes his ability to consistently drive and score is undervalued.

“It is tough to do that — a lot of guys can’t do that,” he said.

“I didn’t even take a three pointer last season, which is funny because I was able to get to the rim every time and make plays for my team.

“I think there are only a few players that have averaged 16 (points), eight (rebounds) and eight (assists) in NBA history. That says a lot by itself.”

MAGIC 2.0

The similarities between Ben Simmons and Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson are striking.

Almost four decades separate the pair, but they have been blessed with comparable basketball gifts.

For much of his career, the 206cm-tall Magic owned the title of tallest point guard, best rebounder at his position and the best passer in history.

Johnson finished his career averaging 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 11.2 assists.

Ben Simmons has drawn comparisons to the great Magic Johnson.

Pipping Johnson at 208cm, Simmons tallied 15.8 points, 8.2 assists and 8.1 rebounds in his first season.

Simmons enjoys the comparisons.

“I’ve got a signed jersey from Magic and that is the only jersey I’ve got at home,” he beamed.

“I always look at it and think, ‘oh wow, that is Magic Johnson’.

“I’ve also watched a lot of film on Magic.

“I met him at a Summer League two years ago and he gave me a little praise.

“He just nodded his head and pointed at me. I was like, that is all I need.

“It was really cool for him to do that.”

With 12 triple-doubles in his rookie season, Simmons surpassed Johnson’s count of seven from his maiden NBA campaign in 1979.

It’s a historic statistic the Philadelphia 76ers star is still coming to terms with.

“It’s just weird to me, because I’m just playing my game and enjoying what I’m doing on the floor and they are telling me I’m breaking all these records set by Magic and Oscar Robertson,” he said, smiling.

“I’m looking at the numbers and I’m thinking, ‘wow, this hasn’t happened in a long time.

“Those guys are older now and I’m doing things that haven’t been done, which is surreal.”

Originally published as Ben Simmons opens up on NBA superstardom and how he admires LeBron James and Magic Johnson