NBA: Simmons’ targets: Celtics beat, MVP become

Ben Simmons had a successful first season with the Philadelphia 76ers, but the Rookie of the Year is not yet satisfied. As part of his basketball camp in Melbourne, the Point Guard has now talked about his further plans and goals.

“We have to get past Boston, those are the guys at the top right now. Beating them is our next goal,” Simmons told NBA Australia. “We want to go beyond the second round and reach the finals.”

Last season the Sixers lost to Celtics in the Conference Semifinals after 52 wins in the Regular Season. These in turn forced the Cleveland Cavaliers into a seventh game and are considered the top favourite in the Eastern Conference after LeBron James left for Los Angeles.

As far as individual goals are concerned, Simmons had his sights set on the next one after the RotY Award in year one: “I’ve checked one, the next goal is now the MVP Award,” said the No.1 pick from 2016.

Simmons, 22, made his debut season with 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 8.2 assists.