Philadelphia 76ers: 5 goals for Ben Simmons in 2017-18

3. Win Rookie of the Year honors

Ben Simmons is looking to become the third player in franchise history to capture Rookie of the Year honors. The 76ers have received instant contributions from numerous first-year players, with Michael Carter-Williams and Allen Iverson receiving the Ed Gottlieb trophy.

Philadelphia 76ers

If he wins the award, Simmons, born in Australia, will join Andrew Wiggins, Kyrie Irving, Pau Gasol and Patrick Ewing as the only players born outside of the United States to be named Rookie of the Year.

Even though he has yet to play a single minute in the NBA, star players from across the league believe Simmons has an advantage among other rookies due to his extended time spent with Philadelphia.

Kevin Durant believes Simmons as a leg up on the competition, as he was able to further develop his game and study with the 76ers coaching staff.

The last player to miss their entire first season with the team, only to claim the Rookie of the Year award the following year was Clippers forward Blake Griffin. The forward out of Oklahoma broke his left kneecap in the final preseason game of 2009, but went on to excel upon his return.

Simmons has received plenty of notoriety throughout his basketball career – a consensus First Team All-American, the USBWA National Player of the Year in college and Gatorade National Player of the Year in high school.

Rookie of the Year honors would continue a storied career for Simmons and could be the first step in Philadelphia finally fulfilling its promise.