LEIGH SALES, PRESENTER: Australian basketball is having something of a golden age.

There are a record number of players in America on NBA courts and the most talented of those is Ben Simmons.

North America correspondent Conor Duffy travelled to Philadelphia to see this once-in-a-generation player in action.

Conor, it is only his rookie year, but we are already hearing talk of $100 million-plus contract and a glittering career. It looks like he's got an incredible future ahead of him?

CONOR DUFFY, NORTH AMERICA CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Ben's coach, Brett Brown, has called him a 'unicorn' and he says that while he's exceeded expectations in his first season, he believes he is capable of doing much, much more.

Still, just being on an NBA court is a dream many Australian athletes have but don't realise.

Here is a little look at what it is like on game night in the most competitive basketball competition in the world.

(Basketball commentator)

CONOR DUFFY: It is a sign of Ben Simmons' growing influence in Philadelphia that the 76ers turned their stadium into a tribute to Australia during NBA Heritage Night.

BEN SIMMONS, PHILADELPHIA 76ERS: Whack some sauce on it.

BASKETBALL COMMENTATOR: I have got a little ketchup on there. Is he doing it right?

BEN SIMMONS: Yes.

(Basketball commentator)

CONOR DUFFY: Simmons is only in his rookie year, but the 21-year-old has been feted across the United States.

(Basketball commentator)

CONOR DUFFY: You've had people like Will Smith and celebrities backing you this year. Growing up in Melbourne did you ever think you would get to this point?

BEN SIMMONS: I definitely didn't think Will Smith would be shouting me out on TV. I think that is a pretty cool thing.

But it is just that there is a whole lot of things that have kind of come my way that have been really cool and I am very blessed that they've happened.

And I'm just looking forward to more to come.

(Basketball commentator)

CONOR DUFFY: Simmons made a statement on Heritage Night bouncing back from the disappointment of missing the NBA All-Star team with a Man of the Match performance.

He described the night as 'perfect' though even success can't dim home sickness.

BEN SIMMONS: I don't get many chances to go back. I usually go back once a year and do my camp out there but I definitely miss it. A lot of family, a lot of friends back home and just the culture.

CONOR DUFFY: What do you miss about the culture?

BEN SIMMONS: I think just the people. We are so down to earth and you know, love our sports and just love to have a good time and I think that is one of the biggest things that I miss.

CONOR DUFFY: Simmons' journey to the NBA became in a Newcastle backyard dunking on his American-born dad, Dave.

DAVE SIMMONS: That is what I am talking about, physical play.

CONOR DUFFY: Dave is still a mentor today.

BEN SIMMONS: It is huge for me, they keep me humble.

It is a reality once I get back home with my brother and sister and my mum and dad so they are a huge help. I think they really keep me composed and relaxed and once I am away from the lights and the cameras.

CONOR DUFFY: Simmons isn't the only Australian reaching for big-time success in America.

A record eight Australians are playing in the NBA and with his trademark confidence, Simmons is expecting that to translate into Olympic success.

Do you think the Boomers could finally win a medal?

BEN SIMMONS: Definitely. Definitely, that is one of my goals is to win a medal with Australia and I want a gold medal, so I think when the time is right, I think it will happen.

But there is a lot of Aussies in the NBA now so it is really fun.

REPORTER: All eyes are on you like really early in your career. How do you deal with that pressure?

CONOR DUFFY: Simmons hasn't been without critics in Philadelphia - a city desperate for basketball success and a first title in more than 30 years.

(Basketball commentator)

CONOR DUFFY: Simmons retains the power and strength that made him a number one draft pick, but keen judges say he needs to add long-range shooting.

KEITH POMPEY, PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER: I think I would give him a B-plus and the reason why I am saying that is because we have to factor in that Ben Simmons was a power forward before this season.

We also have to factor in that we know that Ben Simmons isn't a guy who is used to shooting a ball.

So these are certain things that he's learning how to do.

DONALD TRUMP, US PRESIDENT: When somebody disrespects our flag, get that son of a bitch off the field right now. Out, he's fired. He is fired.

BEN SIMMONS: He's an idiot. If we were in Australia right now, a lot of people would call him a dickhead.

CONOR DUFFY: Simmons also attracted fans and haters with this insult to Donald Trump after the President attacked NFL players kneeling during the national anthem in protest over racial inequality.

(American national anthem)

BEN SIMMONS: I think if that is how they want to protest and put the word out there for whatever they are representing or saying, freedom of speech, that is the great thing about America. You can say what you want and how you feel and I think everyone has to respect that.

CONOR DUFFY: A lot of people in Australia have been bewildered by what is going on in America this year. Have you been the same?

BEN SIMMONS: I think so. I think it is one of those things in Australia where we are a lot different, but when we see what is happening, it is kind of like a TV show or a movie.

You just don't think it is real. But, that is the crazy thing. It is real. It is really happening.

(Basketball commentator)

CONOR DUFFY: Ben Simmons' focus though, remains on the court.

If he can broaden his skills, expert observers believe Simmons has the potential to become one of the all-time greats of the game.

KEITH POMPEY: You know, it is just that he is a freak of nature and then, you know, you look at him and if he can develop that jumper, I mean we are talking about like once-in-a-generational-type player.

CONOR DUFFY: For now, Simmons is only halfway through his first season.

He hopes to keep winning Philadelphia over and build to something special in years to come.

(Basketball commentator)

BEN SIMMONS: For me, I believe we go in the ring, but it comes down to everyone playing their role.

It is not easy. It takes time. It may not happen this year or the next year but we are going to get there.