Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers had the Eastern Conference nervous last season with their meteoric rise.

MORE: Ben Simmons lauds influence of 'big brother' LeBron James

Expected to push for a playoff berth, the 76ers surged into third on the standings before tumbling out in the second round.

With a young core coming back after the disappointment of a playoff exit, the 76ers are looking to take things a step further in 2018-19.

Leading the charge with Joel Embiid will be Ben Simmons and the Aussie is backing down from the challenge.

"We've got to get past Boston, those are the guys at the top right now. Beating them, that's our next goal," Simmons said.

"Obviously getting further than the second round and winning the Eastern Conference Finals and then moving on to the Finals.

Simmons crossed Rookie of the Year honours off of his list after claiming the award last season, but he's now setting his individual sights on a bigger goal.

"I knocked off one of those (Rookie of the Year), the next one is MVP."

Back in town during the offseason, Simmons understands the importance of using his elevated platform to help influence and grow the game of basketball among the next generation.

"It's been great just to give back. Not every kid is able to come to a camp like this, so as long as I'm able to reach out and help kids and give them the opportunity and one day they can say 'I went to his camp' which is great and I love doing it," Simmons said at his basketball camp in Melbourne.

"You've got to enjoy it, but obviously education comes first you know you need that. It's one thing you can always take with you.

"Sport is definitely not forever, but if you have the opportunity to do it then you definitely take that. But at the same time you've got to enjoy it and work hard, it takes a lot of effort and commitment to get to that level."