Title spurring Simmons

BEN Simmons has declared a championship ring as the only ambition that will make him truly happy as the NBA season tips off today.

Simmons, 23, made the All Star team in his second full year last season and was Rookie of the Year in 2018.

But the Melbourne-bornand-bred guard said he was setting even loftier goals for season three, namely delivering the Philadelphia 76ers’ first NBA title since 1983. “Getting a ring — that is the main goal,’’ he said.

“I believe I’m doing everything along the way that’s right to get that ring and good things will happen.’’

To make that dream a reality, experts suggest Simmons will have to start knocking down the jump shot he has been honing over the US summer to compliment his sublime passing and inside game.

Standing 2.08m tall, Simmons is not afraid to make his presence felt in the paint but its his court vision and ability to put the ball on the floor and explode to the basket that makes him most exciting.

Should he develop a reliable outside shot and drag defenders out of the key, Simmons could be almost unstoppable.

But he said his shooting would not make or break his season, nor be the sole focus of his mission to be the best basketballer he can be.

“I’m just trying to get better, so anything I can do to get better,’’ he said. “There is no one particular thing I’m trying to work on, it’s just everything.

“I’m trying to be a better player, learn the game and be a better professional.’’

Simmons said he expected fellow Victorian export Dante Exum to throw off the shackles of several injury interrupted seasons to finally fulfil the potential that made him the No. 5 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.

“Oh yeah, 100 perc ent, for sure,’’ Simmons said about Exum’s prospects of hitting his straps for the Utah Jazz.

“I know how talented he is and he is going to show it.’’

Simmons, who sat out this year’s FIBA World Cup to navigate a $241 million deal with the 76ers, also recommitted his desire to represent Australia at next year’s Tokyo Olympics.

Simmons enters this season with career averages of 16.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game.

The 76ers tip off the season against Boston.