NBL owner Larry Kestelman believes Ben Simmons could become Australia's Michael Jordan and lift basketball to new heights.

The Philadelphia 76ers rookie is enjoying a record-breaking start to his NBA career and has already earned comparisons to superstars LeBron James and Magic Johnson.

Hang time: Simmons slam dunks for Philadelphia against the LA Lakers Credit:AP

Simmons, who is tied to the Boomers after making senior debut as a teen in 2013, has repeatedly told US media he plans to play for Australia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, he would also be a candidate to play for the Boomers at the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China should they qualify.

Simmons and the NBL have a unique connection as Dave Simmons, Ben's father, came to Australia from the US to play as an import for the Melbourne Tigers where he met wife Julie and played out a long career in the league.