Aussies in NBA: Simmons in rare company with Oscar Robertson

While many refer to Ben Simmons as going to be a special player, it is already getting very hard to ignore the fact that he already is.

Simmons is now officially in rare company with NBA legend and Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson in registering more than 10 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists across the first three games of their NBA career. While the 76ers were blown out 94-128 by the Toronto Raptors on the road, Simmons was one of the very few shining lights in an otherwise forgettable outing by Philadelphia.

https://twitter.com/nbastats/status/921921999265521664

Despite the Raptors big win, Simmons went close to recording his first career triple-double in compiling 18 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists. However the super-talent that Simmons is was not able to mask a poor Philadelphia outing. His side shot just 39% from the field and gave up 20 turnovers which were converted into 23 points. Those kinds of numbers will not earn the 76ers many wins and it is clear he needs others to step up to help his side become successful after a 0-3 start to the season.

https://twitter.com/sixers/status/921887883853729792

However in Simmons, the 76ers have a special player who has just achieved something that nobody else has since Robertson all the way back in 1960. It has been 57 years since anyone has achieved the feat, and it came at the hands of one of the all-time greats of the NBA, demonstrating just so hard it is to achieve as a rookie. Robertson managed to extend his run to 6 straight games, and the way Simmons is playing, it is not outside the realms of possibility for the dynamic Australian matching or bettering that record.

Across his first three games, Simmons has posted outstanding numbers of 15.7 points, 10.3 rebounds and 6.0 assists. With a tantalising blend of speed, athleticism, vision and court presence, he is impressing everyone.

His outing today is just further evidence to show that Simmons is no ordinary rookie. He is something special.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuxcWXKK2ww