PHILADELPHIA,PA - MARCH 28 : Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles up court against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center on March 28, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)Jesse D. Garrabrant/Getty Images

Julius Erving Says Ben Simmons' Skill Set Might Be 'Once in a Lifetime'

Joseph ZuckerApr 3, 2018

Philadelphia 76ers rookie Ben Simmons received a big endorsement from Sixers legend Julius Erving.

Speaking about the 21-year-old point guard, Erving said he possesses a skill set that is "once in a decade, maybe once in a lifetime," according to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Simmons is the runaway favorite to win Rookie of the Year in 2017-18. After missing his entire first season, he's averaging 15.8 points, 8.0 rebounds and 8.2 assists through 75 games. The Sixers' net rating falls by 10.8 points per 100 possessions when Simmons leaves the floor, per NBA.com.

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Simmons' shooting—or lack thereof—is what makes him such a unique talent. He has missed all of his 11 three-point attempts, and despite that, he has been a massive success so far.

If Simmons can develop a jumper, then Erving's assessment may not be wide of the mark.