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Let's call a spade a spade — Aussie sensation Ben Simmons has been better than advertised.
Despite having a short sample size of six games into his first year in the league, the versatile point-forward joined Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson as the only other player to net 100 points, 50 rebounds, and 40 assists through that stretch, according to Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype.
The Philadelphia 76ers rookie has put up 105 points, 57 rebounds, and 45 assists in his first six games in the league, making the Sixers look that much more scary fathoming the idea of him and fellow rising star Embiid conquering the Eastern Conference for years to come.
The rookie has a clear weakness in his shot, but his all-around efficiency around the rim and incredible vision and smarts on the floor more than make up for his deficiencies — still shooting an impressive 53.5 percent from the field.
Any time the legend of Oscar Robertson is brought up, one can't help but think of the endless comparisons with Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook and his MVP season in 2016-17, after he managed to break a 55-year-old record for triple-doubles in a season.
While Ben Simmons isn't at that pace quite yet, he is very well in route of it, as his shot improvement will open up other possibilities for him to draw defenders and leave his teammates open for much easier looks.
The LSU product is shooting an impressive 63.8 percent from within five feet of the rim, the 10th-best rate among players with at least 40 shot attempts in that zone, according to Synergy Sports. He's taken only 18 jump shots all season, making only seven of them, including an 0-for-3 mark from beyond.
Developing a consistent jump shot can only result in improving his floor game, but even without it, he's bound to make some major noise this season if he can remain healthy.
