Simmons reaches new NBA rookie milestone

As the milestones mount for Ben Simmons, so do the plaudits.

On the day the Australian became the second NBA player to reach 1200 points, 600 rebounds and 600 assists in a rookie season, the legendary Julius Erving delivered high praise.

"(He’s a) once in a decade, maybe once in a lifetime-type player," Erving said.

Simmons started Wednesday's [AEDT] game against Brooklyn 13 points shy of the milestone before a third-quarter basket put him in a stratosphere only previously occupied by Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson (1960-61).

Simmons recorded his 36th double-double with 15 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in the 121-95 win but was short of his 12th triple-double.

The 21-year-old, who had 12 points by half-time, sat out the final quarter as the Sixers held a 21-point advantage at the end of the third.

"(He’s) able to make everybody better immediately each and every time down the floor, guys are spotting up or looking to cut or keying off of triggers that come out of his handling skills," Erving, also a Hall of Famer, told Philadelphia media after having his statue unveiled outside 76ers training headquarters.

"Sometimes it looks like he’s got eyes in the back of his head.

"He sees and feels one of his guys making a run to the hoop or spotting up at certain positions.

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

It’s not the first milestone Simmons has reached that involves Robertson.

The Melbourne product has the second most rookie-season triple-doubles behind Robertson (26), while they were the only players to record 100 points, 50 rebounds and 40 assists in their first six games.

The win was the Sixers’ 11th straight, but they were unable to overtake third-placed Cleveland in the eastern conference after the Cavaliers beat Toronto 112-106.

But by consolidating fourth, they remain bound for their first playoffs in six years with five games remaining, having to make do without injured star Joel Embiid for the third-straight game.

Guard JJ Redick top-scored with 19 points for the Sixers, while Simmons shared rare court time with fellow No.1 draft pick Markelle Fultz, who chipped in 10 points.

Meanwhile, LeBron James recorded 27 points, 10 rebounds and six assists as the Cavaliers won for the ninth time in the past 10 games, preventing the Raptors from extending their two-win lead atop the conference.

Lowly Orlando upset the New York Knicks 97-73, while Miami pipped Atlanta 101-98.

AAP