Ben Simmons’ impressive preseason form is just the tip of the iceberg

BEN Simmons has shown flashes of brilliance, expect him to take it to another level when the season officially gets underway.

Simmons rises up to throw it down.

BEN Simmons set the world alight during the NBA preseason and will look to carry that form over into the regular season.

After being taken with the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft, Simmons unfortunately missed the entirety of his first season due to injury.

Being forced to spend the entire season on the sidelines watching his teammates run out taught him plenty of lessons both inside and outside of basketball.

After being officially cleared for full basketball activity in August, Simmons’ return has been a highly anticipated affair and he did not disappoint during his preseason appearances.

In his first outing against the Memphis Grizzlies he controlled the game playing as the teams point guard and his efforts drew high praise from opposition coach David Fizdale.

Sorry if this has already come up on your timeline.

David Fizdale, postgame: pic.twitter.com/ivo48fOcs5

— Brian Seltzer (@brianseltzer) October 5, 2017

Despite the 76ers enduring three straight losses, the signs from latest number one draft pick Markelle Fultz and Simmons gave fans plenty of reason for hope.

Then came the return of the third overall pick from 2014, Joel Embiid, and the 76ers train gathered momentum.

Wins against the Brooklyn Nets and Miami Heat ended the preseason on a high note and it was in large part due to the impressive play of Simmons.

At the end of their five preseason games, Simmons walked away with averages of 11 points per game, six rebounds per game and six assists per game.

What makes the Australian such a standout is his combination of size along with a remarkable skillset and it has left his teammates stunned at what he can do on the floor.

“Ben is one of the fastest point guards that I’ve ever played with, which is crazy. For him to be able to turn on the jets at 6-foot-10 and that weight? It’s insane.” teammate Justin Anderson said in an interview with hoopshype.

“His ability to turn the jets on and his ability to finish with either hand makes him very special and it puts a ton of pressure on the defence,

“And his passing ability is special. If you’re open, he’ll find you.”

Ben Simmons finds Robert Covington for the open 3! #NBAPreseason pic.twitter.com/DEM0T7QMFj

— NBA (@NBA) October 14, 2017

As the season draws closer you can expect to hear his name thrown around in the Rookie of the Year discussions, but if his preseason form is anything to go by, he deserves to be the runaway favourite.

And many experts are getting behind that train of thought, with one proclaiming that he is the best athlete Australia has ever produced.

“I reckon he is the best athlete Australia has ever produced,” basketball expert Nigel Purchase told SEN’s Hungry For Sport.

“He is going to be an absolute superstar throughout the world. The way he plays the game is exceptional. He is a great passer, a very good scorer, he isn’t a great shooter just yet, but he is an exceptional talent overall.

“I think we will get a lot of enjoyment out of watching him play.”

With each game played, Ben Simmons became more comfortable, & the numbers back it up. His unique skill set is going to blow fans away. ROTY

— Jon Johnson (@jonjohnsonwip) October 16, 2017

Ben Simmons is favored to win NBA Rookie of the Year honors per @BovadaLV followed by Lonzo Ball. pic.twitter.com/NDE8FIGudj

— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) October 11, 2017

His size will provide constant nightmares for opposing coaches as he will simply prove to quick for power forwards and if a smaller guard is set to defend him, he’ll take them into the post and pick them apart.

Despite not being a formidable shooter, Simmons has an incredible ability to put the ball on the floor and push the pace and an impressive ability to find open teammates with passes that leave fans speechless.

A talent like no other that Australia has produced has a chance to become one of the greats of the game and you best believe we’ll be watching every single minute of the action.

The 76ers open their 2017/18 NBA season against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday with the game set to tip off at 10am (AEDT).