Ben Simmons was one of 22 rookies to make their NBA debut on Wednesday, and he had a dazzling first game.

Since 1983-84, according to Basketball Reference, there have been just two players to record at least 15 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in their NBA debut. Grant Hill had 25 points, 10 boards and five dimes on Nov. 4, 1994; Ben Simmons had 18 points, 10 rebounds and five assists on Oct. 18, 2017.

“It felt like I was playing 2K, honestly,” said Simmons after the game to Nick Metallinos of ESPN. “Just looking at Joel Embiid out there with the lights on his jersey. I was like, ‘man, I’m actually here.’”

Simmons has been the most anticipated rookie since LeBron James. His only year at LSU was terrific, and he laid waste to the entire SEC by averaging 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists. The Philadelphia 76ers decision to take him first overall was almost a no-brainer. Not only did he tally the numbers, Simmons’ displayed a point guard’s skill set but stands at 6-10, a combination that the NBA has never seen before. The amalgamation of all three is what led to a tidal wave of hype that did, in fact, anoint him as the next LeBron. I don’t feel comfortable proclaiming something like that after just one game, but, to talk about him as a budding superstar fits this piece.

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As we all know, we’re seeing Simmons a year later than we were supposed to because a Jones fracture kept him out of action for the entire 2016-17 season. Instead of rushing back one of their franchise cornerstones, the Sixers elected to sit him for the whole year just to be extra cautious. We did, however, get to watch Simmons in one summer league tournament and one preseason, and there’s a seamless transition to meaningful basketball that the level of competition hasn’t disrupted.

Philly opened the season against the Washington Wizards and lost 120-115. It was a thrilling contest. Simmons, arguably, wasn’t even the best player on his team that night. Robert Covington took everyone’s breath away by nailing seven threes en route to a 29-points performance; Joel Embiid — who called his minutes restriction “fucking bullshit” — dropped 18 points and inhaled 13 rebounds in 27 minutes. Simmons, however, conducted the offense masterfully and was close to being unguardable around the basket. At 21, he’s got a grown man’s body, and it’s a chore for anyone to try and stay in front of him. Moreover, he’s got the dexterity and patience to create the perfect look.