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Fansided

Ben Simmons earns first of hopefully many All-Star appearances with Philadelphia 76ers

ByDan Parzych|
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 17: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks to pass the ball against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on January 17, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 17: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks to pass the ball against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on January 17, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons was named an All-Star reserve on Thursday, which is hopefully just the first of many appearances in the future.

When it was first announced that Kyrie Irving and Kemba Walker would be starters in the 2019 NBA All-Star game, right away the conversation started to heat up that Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers received the snub treatment.

With all due respect to both Irving and Walker since they’re obviously two of the best in the NBA for a reason, Simmons seemed worthy of earning the start after looking at the kind of season he’s been putting together.

Not only has Philadelphia picked up where they left off from last year as one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference, but Simmons has joined the rare group of being a triple-double threat each night he steps foot on the court.

Despite coming up short in earning the starting nod, it seemed like only a matter of time before Simmons officially earned one of the spots on the All-Star roster as a reserve, which finally took place on Thursday.

For a player in the middle of his second playing season, Simmons has every reason in the world to be excited over the news since all of that hard work put into making himself one of the top players on the rise seems to be paying off in a big way.

But most importantly, this will hopefully be just the first of many All-Star appearances for Simmons throughout his career since his level of talent makes it seem like he’s going to be one of those players who is a lock to make it year after year.

Philadelphia knew they had a special player back in 2016 when the team was fortunate to land the former LSU standout at No. 1 in the NBA Draft. And even though he failed to play a single game that first season as a result of a foot injury, the Sixers knew deep down that Simmons would be worth it in the long run.

Simmons and the rest of his Sixers teammates still have a long way to go when it comes to proving they have what it takes to be one of the best in the NBA, but at least the Australian native has them moving in the right direction.

All-Star games can be tough to get excited about, but at least for Sixers fans, the presence of Simmons and Joel Embiid should make it a little more enjoyable.