WATCH: Ben Simmons Throws Bullet-Like Passes In His First Game As A 76er

Of course if you’re the number one pick in the NBA Draft, the hype train is going to follow you pretty much wherever you go. It’s how you respond to that hype that’ll define you as a professional sports player.

And though it is extremely early days for ‘Strayas 2nd-ever #1 pick Ben Simmons, if today’s outing is anything to go by, he’ll be just fine.

The newly-minted Philadelphia 76er stepped out onto the court in Sixers colours for the first time earlier today, as the NBA’s Summer League continued rumbling through the hot American months today in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Simmons first-ever outing on an NBA court didn’t exactly get off to the most barnstorming of starts, scoring wise; the 19-year-old former LSU player managing one single free throw point in the first quarter against Boston, and only registered his first field goal midway through the second term.

But it’s his ability to control play that shone through, and his dynamic passing ability was on full display as Simmons executed a number of dazzling passes with a confidence beyond his years.

Simmons absolutely bloody launched a handful of laser-style assists, and the respectable crowd came alive for each one.

Seriously, just look at some of these. Youngblood is straight vicious on a few of ’em.

How this one wound up on the cutting-room floor is utterly beyond us.

God damn.

By the time he was forced from the floor in the fourth quarter with a calf cramp, Simmons had 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists to his name.

It is as early as early days get. But you tend to get the impression that, when it comes to the big leagues, the kid’s gonna be just fine.