With his impressive passing ability, Ben Simmons should be a strong contender to lead the league in assists this season. The talented Philadelphia 76ers star averaged 8.2 assists per game in his rookie campaign last year and is already establishing himself as an elite playmaker. Despite his 6'10" frame, the Aussie plays point guard for the Sixers and the entire offence runs through him. We once again saw a glimpse of just how influential he is at doing this during the team's first pre-season outing on Friday night. In a dominant individual showing, Simmons posted a near triple-double of eight points, eight rebounds and 14 assists against Melbourne United. The 22-year-old produced the highlight play of the game with one of the best dimes you're likely to see all year. The youngster outrageously threw the ball off the backboard to himself before touching the ball off to Markelle Fultz for an easy layup. 

He may have been looking to lob the ball to himself for a dunk but he quickly adjusted and turned it into two points for his fellow guard. 

Aussie rules

Overall, the former number one overall pick put on a show against his fellow countrymen from Australia. 

The 76ers comfortably won 104-84 at Wells Fargo Center in their opening encounter of the pre-season. 

Simmons clearly wanted to put on a strong display against his hometown team and he didn't disappoint. 

“It was a lot of fun, it was getting back into the court, getting a feel for the game again, playing basketball is what we do so it was a lot of fun,” he said, per News.com.au.

The reigning Rookie of the Year looked in terrific shape and he's surely set to take another major leap this year. 

He didn't showcase the jump shot he's been working on all summer but that should hopefully come with time.

Simmons has big goals for the campaign, which includes making an All-Defensive team. 

“That’s what I’m working towards, every day I’m in the gym trying to get better,” he said.

“It’s going to take a while to get to where I really want to be but that’s how long greatness takes.”

Philadelphia will play three more exhibition games before beginning the regular season with a mouthwatering encounter against the Boston Celtics on October 17.