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'Big time talent': Rivals marvel at superb Simmons

Aussie NBA phenom Ben Simmons has starred his return from injury, leaving the opposition coach in complete awe.

Simmons made a successful return to competitive basketball from a year-long injury absence in Philadelphia's NBA pre-season game against Memphis on Thursday.

The Australian had six points -- shooting at 25 per cent -- and a team-high nine assists and seven rebounds in the 76ers' 110-89 loss.

Simmons was superb. Image: Getty
Simmons was superb. Image: Getty

The 2016 No.1 draft pick played 22 minutes at point guard and appears to be fully recovered from the broken foot which sidelined him last season.

Simmons, 21, impressed with a series of superb assists as he nears his NBA debut when the regular season starts on October 18 against Washington.

Grizzlies coach David Fizdale was full of praise for Simmons after the game.

“Oh my God. I don’t want to see that for the next 15 years. That kid, they’re not talking about him enough,” Fizdale said.

Image: Getty
Image: Getty

“The way he moves with the ball, his ability to see the floor, the way he can get places on the floor — once he gets confidence in his shot where you really have to close out all the way to the three. Wow. He is a big-time talent.”

Philly coach Ben Brown was also impressed with his star Aussie.

“I love his breakaway speed, his ability to get to the rim, the pace at which he plays,” Brown said.

“Tonight Ben, you could see, was sort of an advanced rookie in my eyes."

with AAP