Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons named NBA All-Star
Australia has its first NBA All-Star. After being snubbed last year despite putting up historic numbers, Ben Simmons has been named as one of the reserves for the Eastern Conference team.
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The wait is finally over – Ben Simmons is the first Australian NBA All-Star.
Simmons’ dream became reality on Friday when he was selected as an Eastern Conference reserve for the 2019 NBA All-Star game in Charlotte on February 18.
The 22-year-old superstar described his selection as a “blessing” but in reality his historic achievement is a glowing endorsement for the Melbourne-born guard’s consistent form this season.
“It’s a blessing,” Simmons said via Sixers twitter. “I’m excited and I’m looking forward to it.
“It is going to be a fun weekend.”
All-Star @BenSimmons25 has a nice ring to it.#HereTheyCome | #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/SCGId0RDia
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 1, 2019
Simmons’ close friend LeBron James tweeted his congratulations shortly after the All-Star selections were announced.
“Yes sir,” James said. “Rumble young man, rumble.”
Simmons was controversy overlooked for All-Star selection in his rookie season last year but his strong numbers in 2018-2019 meant he couldn’t be denied.
He has averaged 16.7 points, 9.5 rebounds and 8.2 assists to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to third in the Eastern Conference.
Significantly, the NBA All-Star reserve positions were chosen by the league’s coaches.
Simmons’ selection is an historic moment for Australian basketball. The likes of Luc Longley and Andrew Bogut missed out on All-Star selection in an era when the internet wasn’t as prominent as today.
Regardless, Simmons thoroughly deserves to be an NBA All-Star.
The 22-year-old has the ability to become not only the best ever Australian basketballer but one of this country’s finest athletes.
Philadelphia coach Brett Brown has followed Simmons’ path to the NBA from the beginning.
Brown coached his father, Dave, at the Melbourne Tigers from 1988 to 1993 when he was an assistant under Lindsay Gaze.
26 years later he is coaching Dave Simmons star son in the world’s best basketball league.
“I’m just happy for Ben and his family,” Brown said.
“I knew his mum and dad before he was born.
“The connection of my Australian background and coaching his dad. Now coaching his son who ends up an NBA All-Star.
“The circumstances for that to have happened is complex, so I’m just extremely happy for Ben and his mum and dad.”
Yes sir!!!! Rumble young man rumble! @KlutchSports @BenSimmons25 https://t.co/obnc9c3ZA9
— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 1, 2019
Brown also praised Simmons for having the strength to work hard and overcome his critics.
“Especially the noise in the marketplace about his shot,” he said.
“The noise, at times, about his free throw.
“I’ve known the spirit of the Australian, and that toughness, and the mateship, and all those things.
“I think his family, I think Ben Simmons was smart and strong enough just to play the game.
“He is such a unique athlete – he is just scratching the surface of where I think he will end up.”
Sixers reserve point guard T.J. McConnell believes Simmons’ All-Star selection is thoroughly deserved.
“I think he should have been an All-Star last year,” McConnell said.
“He’s proven game in and game out that he’s an All-Star type player. He has a bright, bright, bright future playing in this league for a long time.”
Simmons won’t know what All-Star team he is on until the All-Star Draft on February 8.
LeBron James is the Western Conference team captain while Giannis Antetokounmpo will select for the Eastern Conference.
James will have the first overall pick, and they’ll keep going until each side has 12 players for the matchup.
Simmons will also compete in the Rising Stars game at the NBA All-Star Weekend for the second straight year.
The Rising Stars game between Team World and Team USA will be played on February 16.
Eastern Conference All Stars
Starters:
Kyrie Irving (Boston Celtics), Kemba Walker (Charlotte Hornets), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), Kawhi Leonard (Toronto Raptors) Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
Reserves:
Ben Simmons (Philadelphia 76ers) Victor Oladipo (Indiana Pacers), Kyle Lowry (Toronto Raptors), Blake Griffin (Detroit Pistons), Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks), Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards) and Nikola Vucevic (Orlando Magic).
Western Conference All Stars
Starters:
Paul George (Oklahoma City Thunder), Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) LeBron James (LA Lakers), Kevin Durant (Golden State Warriors), James Harden (Houston Rockets)
Reserves:
Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder), Anthony Davis (New Orleans Pelicans), Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets), Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers), Klay Thompson (Golden State Warriors), LaMarcus Aldridge (San Antonio Spurs) and Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Originally published as Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons named NBA All-Star
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