SEN basketball expert Nigel Purchase believes Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons is the best athlete Australia has ever produced.
After his rookie season was wiped out due to injury, the Melbourne-born Simmons will make his much-anticipated NBA debut this Thursday morning against the Washington Wizards.
The number one pick in the 2016 draft, Simmons has flashed his immense talent and potential throughout the preseason, which has led to Purchase declaring him as one of the nation’s best sportsmen.
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“I reckon he is the best athlete Australia has ever produced,” he 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.”
Simmons recorded 19 points on 9-of-11 shooting in the Sixers’ final preseason affair against the Miami Heat over the weekend. He also pulled down seven rebounds.