Simmons shocked at 'surreal' Erving praise

Ben Simmons lays the ball up for the Philadelphia 76ers past the Washington Wizards' Kelly Oubre....
Ben Simmons lays the ball up for the Philadelphia 76ers past the Washington Wizards' Kelly Oubre. Photo: Getty Images
Ben Simmons says it is "surreal" to receive extraordinary praise from NBA and Philadelphia 76ers legend Julius Erving.

The 21-year-old Australian has been showered with plenty of compliments and accolades during his rookie NBA season but was staggered to hear Erving describe him as a "once in a decade, maybe once in a lifetime type player".

As a youngster growing up in Australia, Simmons knew all about Erving because his NBL star father Dave was a big fan and told him stories about his exploits.

"I think it is surreal, particularly coming from Doc," Simmons said.

"I remember my dad talking about him a lot growing up and I'm playing for the team he used to play for - a guy who pretty much built the team up."

Erving, a Hall of Famer who starred for the 76ers from 1976 to 1987, was honoured on Tuesday with a sculpture alongside other 76ers greats including Wilt Chamberlain outside the team's practice facility.

Erving took time out of his landmark day to single out Simmons.

"Sometimes it looks like he's got eyes in the back of his head because he sees and feels one of his guys making a run to the hoop or spotting up at certain positions," Erving told the Philadelphia Inquirer.

"That's just a gifted player that we are very fortunate to have on our team."

Simmons has been exceptional for the injury-hit 76ers in the final weeks of the regular season and on Tuesday had 15 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in a 121-95 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

It was the 76ers' 11th straight win.

Simmons' haul places him alongside the great Oscar Robertson as the only player with at least 1200 points, 600 assists and 600 rebounds in their rookie season.

Robertson did it during the 1960-61 season - underlining just how extraordinary the feat is.

The 76ers were rocked recently by injuries to starters Joel Embiid and Dario Saric, but Simmons' leadership and strong form has kept the wins coming and confirmed his favouritism for the NBA Rookie of the Year Award ahead of Utah Jazz rival Donovan Mitchell.

The win streak has propelled the NBA's former ugly ducklingss to fourth place in the Eastern Conference with just five games before the playoffs begin.

If they remain in fourth or edge higher in the standings the 76ers will have home court advantage for the first round.

Simmons and the surging 76ers are also firming as legitimate chances of enticing the Australian's mentor, NBA great and soon-to-be free agent LeBron James to sign with the team.

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