Ben Simmons forgot one thing during the NBA Draft

THERE’S so much hype that surrounds the NBA Draft it can be easy to get caught up in it, and Ben Simmons forgot the most obvious part of his job.

Simmons is off to Philly.

BEN Simmons is off to Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia 76ers snapped up the Melbourne-born basketballer at pick number one in the 2016 NBA Draft, making him the first Aussie to go first since Andrew Bogut went to the Milwaukee Bucks back in 2005.

After a stellar season with Louisiana State University (LSU) Simmons was realistically in a two-horse race with Duke forward Brandon Ingram for the coveted number one spot, and the lanky Aussie won out. Ingram was selected second by the LA Lakers.

Simmons has been working for so long to reach the heights that were confirmed at today’s Draft, and sometimes all the hype, expectation and media attention can get so much that you forget even the simplest things.

Simmons admitted to doing as much when he spoke on the Hamish & Andy Show on Friday evening.

“It’s funny because I’ve had so much going on recently that I forgot that I even played,” Simmons said. “When my agent told me I was going to be playing in a few weeks, it was like, ‘Oh, I’ve got to play still.’ It’s funny how things work.”

Simmons will want to transfer his college form to the NBA.

That’s right, Ben, the 76ers will still be expecting you to play basketball after all this is over. What a demanding lot.

Simmons spoke at a press conference about how excited he will be to line up against fellow Melburnian and long time friend Dante Exum, who plays for the Utah Jazz. He also joins other Aussies Bogut and Matthew Dellavedova in the NBA.

“I spoke to Delly, so he congratulated me. I actually saw him after Game Six (of the NBA Finals) so I’m proud of him and what he’s been doing. I’ve spoken to Bogut and Dante ... just a lot of support,” he told Hamish and Andy.

“It’s a weight off my chest, I’m super excited. It’s been a long time since I’ve been waiting for this opportunity and it finally came tonight.

“I probably won’t sleep tonight, but I’ll try my best.”

ESPN’s Darren Rovell reported Simmons stands to make more than $26 million in his first four years in the NBA.

Ben Simmons four-year contract, if options are picked up, is $26,620,450.

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) June 23, 2016

The Milwaukee Bucks shocked everyone when they picked up Sudanese born Australian Thon Maker at pick 10. Maker nominated for the Draft straight out of high school and was initially expected to be a late first round pick at best, going somewhere in the 20-30 range, but the 2.16m giant defied expectations by going much earlier.