Andrew Bogut praises Aussie rookie Ben Simmons, Lakers teammate Lonzo Ball

BEN Simmons’ record-breaking NBA beginning has caught the eye of fellow Boomer Andrew Bogut, who says the Melbourne-born gun could take over the league.

Aussie Ben Simmons has aced his first four NBA games, impressing fellow Boomer Andrew Bogut. Picture: Getty Images

BEN Simmons’ record-breaking NBA beginning has caught the eye of fellow Boomer Andrew Bogut, who says the Melbourne-born gun could take over the league.

The rookie yesterday became the first Australian to record a triple double in the NBA, leading Philadelphia 76ers to a 97-86 away victory at Detroit Pistons — his first win in the NBA.

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Aussie Ben Simmons has aced his first four NBA games, impressing fellow Boomer Andrew Bogut. Picture: Getty Images

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“He’s been unbelievable. His numbers are eye-popping,” Bogut said on SEN Breakfast this morning.

“To do what he’s done — obviously he’s broken records already — he just plays with such rhythm and flow.

“He’s doing everything. He’s distributing the ball very well. I think he’s closer to seven foot than people realise and the way he handles it and passes it, it’s just a match-up nightmare for most teams.”

Simmons’ 21 points were recorded on an efficient 8-11 from the field, laced with 12 rebounds and 10 assists, making him one of just three players (Oscar Robertson and Art “Hambone” Williams) in NBA history to record a triple double inside four NBA games.

He’s also the first 76er since Hall of Famer Charles Barkley in 1987 to shoot more than 70 per cent from the field in a triple-double and the joins Shaquille O’Neal as the only other NBA player to begin his career with four straight double doubles.

And Bogut, who signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on the eve of the new season, says he can get better.

While Simmons mid-range jumpshot looked serviceable in the game, his shooting is hit and miss and some believe that will hurt his game.

Not Bogut.

“His jumper will get better and that’s the one knock people have on him,” Bogut said.

“You hope it doesn’t get that (much) better within a year or two, because it’s going to be big trouble for the rest of the league when it does.”

“He’s going to have ups and downs, but he’s a strong-minded kid.”

Lonzo Ball has shown flashes, but it’s been a touch initiation to his NBA career as teams target the young star. Picture: Getty Images/AFP

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ANDREW Bogut says teammate Lonzo Ball is going through a huge learning curve, but is embracing everything NBA teams are throwing at him.

Bogut said Ball’s extroverted father LaVar Ball was a marketing genius, but that had also painted a target on the Lakers rookie.

“He’s only three games into his NBA career,” Ball said.

“Teams are having a huge crack at him. Teams are trying to hit him and be physical with him and go right after him from the opening tip.

“There’s a lot of hype and his dad does an unbelievable job of marketing him.

“In my opinion, he’s a marketing genius, because his name’s out there every day with something different.

“But, with that, comes a lot of guys that want to go after him and want to take his head off.

“I think he knows that, he embraces it he works hard at practice and I think he’ll be OK.”

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