Dramatic overhaul resets Simmons hype train

The expectations for Australian NBA star Ben Simmons to take his game to another level have risen with Philadelphia's acquisition of three-point gun, Seth Curry.

In what's been one of the biggest off seasons ever for Simmons' 76ers, the basketball club is set to look completely different than in years past.

Philadelphia started off their off season by welcoming in Daryl Morey from Houston, who will take on the president of basketball operations role, while also parting ways with head coach Brett Brown and replacing him with Doc Rivers.

And on the court, Simmons looks set to take back the playmaking duties with the 76ers, surrounding the Aussie with three-point shooters by adding Curry and three-time NBA champion Danny Green to the ranks.

Simmons will still have three-time All-Star centre Joel Embiid alongside him and despite the star power of the Aussie's teammate, ESPN media icon Stephen A. Smith believes the 76ers are still the Melbourne native's team.

"Ben Simmons is still going to be your best player," Smith told ESPN's First Take.

"Here's the reason why. Outside of his shooting ability he can do everything else. He's an elite defender, he's about 6'10 with that wingspan.

"He's got mad ball-handling skills. His basketball IQ is off the charts. He's an exceptional passer. We know all of that."

But it's the acquisition of Curry, the younger brother of two-time MVP Stephen Curry, that has Smith calling on Simmons to take his game to a new level.

Smith said there's no reason why the former No.1 draft pick can't take his creativity and playmaking skills up a notch with the three-point shooting threat of Curry at his disposal.

"The acquisition of Seth Curry is the difference here," he added.

"That acquisition is pivotal because that brother can shoot. The way Doc Rivers will use them, the way he will unleash Ben Simmons, I think he is going to unleash Ben Simmons to be more of a scorer than a shooter.

"I think Ben Simmons is going to have freedom, will be more creative. I think that will lead to him facilitating so much for everybody else. That is what is going to make him the best player the Sixers have, even better than Joel Embiid."

Smith's co-host Max Kellerman took a similar view to Smith but labelled the Aussie as a "poor man's" LeBron James due to his court vision and passing ability which has long been a trait of the LA Lakers superstar.

"Ben Simmons is already a great player," he added.

"I thought he was the best defender when he was healthy before the NBA injury last year, I thought he should have been Defensive Player of the Year up until that point. He is 6'10.

"He is kind of like a poor man's LeBron. Only that he has better handles than LeBron. But he has that kind of court vision and passing ability, he can finish at the rim – all those things.

"Since he has come into the league he has created more open looks from three for his teammates than anyone in the league. So he actually assists you literally in that department."