LOS ANGELES _ The more Ben Simmons plays, the louder the comparisons to Hall of Famers Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson become.
The 76ers rookie point guard posted his sixth triple-double on Wednesday with 18 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. In doing so, Simmons became the first player to post at least six triple-doubles in 60 or fewer games since Robertson did it during the 1960-61 season with the Cincinnati Royals.
Simmons has played in 54 games so far. Robertson had 21 through 54 games en route finishing his rookie season with 26.
Simmons' six triple-doubles are the most by a rookie in a season since Johnson posted seven with the Lakers during the 1979-80 season.
"Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson and then Ben Simmons ... that's amazing," Simmons said of the comparisons. "It's kind of surreal. But I want to break those records."
While it means a lot to get statistics, the 6-foot-10, 240-pounder said winning is more important to him.
Simmons said he knows that he's not close to living up his potential. So far, he's known for his passing and ability to get to the rim. There's a thought that the 21-year-old will be unstoppable if he can make a consistent jump shot.
"I feel like I'm just getting started," Simmons said. "This is my first (54) games. So for me, it's kind of scary."
