Although Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons is technically a rookie, he’s playing like a superstar in the playoffs.Averaging 20.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 9.7 assists and 2.0 steals in 37.7 minutes, Simmons has shot 48.8 percent from the field and 75.0 percent from the free throw line to lead his club to a 2-1 lead over the Miami Heat.The Heat have been unable to contain him on either end of the floor.Simmons’ stellar rookie year has arguably been the most well-rounded campaign since LeBron James turned heads back in 2003-2004. Averaging 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game, Simmons is on the fast-track to superstardom.Therefore, it only makes sense that James is his mentor.Heat veteran Dwyane Wade is also connected to LeBron, who is a close friend who he won two titles with in Miami and played with earlier this season in Cleveland.When Simmons was in high school, he spent some time working out with Wade and James. Apparently D-Wade knew that he would turn into something special at that time based on his work ethic.“You could see the way he looked at guys like ourselves and how we worked. He was taking notes, mental notes,” said Wade, per Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.“To see him a few years later,” Wade added, “and see where he is in his game and the effect on a state and a city to play the game of basketball on such a high level, it’s impressive.”In the midst of a hilarious beef with celebrity Sixers fan Kevin Hart, it was a bit surprising to hear Wade gush over one of his opponents, especially since the Heat trail 2-1 in the series. But, it’s obvious that Simmons has his respect.

“To see where he is now, he’s not just a rookie-of-the-year candidate,” Wade noted. “He’s a very good basketball player. … We have our work cut out for us every night because of what he brings to the table.”

As seen in the first three games, Miami might not be able to stop Simmons. They even tried putting three players on him:

That didn’t work.

He threw mid-court passes through defenders with his off-hand:

That looked easy.

If Simmons’ numbers popped out to you, it makes sense. Through the first three games of his playoff career, no one else in NBA history has accumulated the combination of points, rebounds and assists that he has.

Wade’s right. The Heat have their work cut out for them.

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