Ben Simmons sets lofty goal for NBA career

Heading into what will be his rookie campaign, Ben Simmons has some lofty goals for himself.

"My goal is to be the best in the league," the first pick in the 2016 NBA Draft recently told ESPN. "I'm not worried about other rookies, I'm worried about the guys at the top, and that's where I want to be."

After a season on the sideline, Simmons says that he feels better than good, and that he’s ready to hit the hardwood.

"Physically I feel really good. [I’m] ready to play and get the season started," Simmons said. "I've just got to go out and work hard ... and if everyone in the team does the same thing, I think we can do great things.”

Simmons isn’t the only Sixer doing well working through a recovery, either.

"Joel [Embiid] is doing well,” Simmons said. “I actually worked out with him before I [went] to Australia, so I know he's been working hard every day.”

Though the sidelined season was frustrating for Simmons, who has been eager to show off his skill set since he was drafted last June, it may have been a blessing in disguise.

"There was definitely [some advantages to having a year off],” Simmons said. “I've had a whole year to grow and learn and focus on what I need to focus on. I think that whole year has really helped me.”

This latest update from Simmons comes just weeks after he dropped a message on Instagram saying that he's "ready to grab the upcoming season by the throat."

It's safe to say that Simmons is ready for the league. Is the league ready for him?

Follow Michael Kaskey-Blomain on Twitter @therealmikekb.