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Simmons joins elite company in 2nd NBA outing

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

Only four other players in NBA history can say they've had similar starts to the one rookie Ben Simmons is having with the Philadelphia 76ers, and they're all currently immortalized in the Basketball Hall of Fame.

In Philly's 102-92 loss to the Boston Celtics Friday night, Simmons finished with a line of 11 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and a steal in 36 minutes of action.

This makes the 21-year-old Aussie just the fifth player ever to begin their playing career with at least 10 points, 10 boards, and five assists in each of their first two games.

Year Player Basketball HOF
2017-18 Ben Simmons ???
1969-70 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Yes
1969-70 Connie Hawkins Yes
1960-61 Oscar Robertson Yes
1958-59 Elgin Baylor Yes

(courtesy: ESPN Stats and Info)

Related: Top 3 rookie debuts from NBA's opening week

Simmons scored 18 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out five assists in his team's season-opening loss to the Washington Wizards Wednesday.

He's also the 11th player in NBA history to notch consecutive double-doubles to open a campaign.

Simmons will look to continue his hot start Saturday at the Air Canada Centre when the 76ers face the Toronto Raptors.

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