By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly Staff 
The Philadelphia 76ers announced on Tuesday that they will host the National Basketball League’s (NBL) Melbourne United this upcoming preseason on September 29 at the Wells Fargo Center. Between September 28 and October 1, five NBL teams will play seven games against NBA teams during preseason play. The Sixers have two links to Australia in head coach Brett Brown and Melbourne-native Ben Simmons.
“My history in Australia and my history especially with Australian basketball has helped shape my current status as an NBA head coach,” Philadelphia 76ers Head Coach Brett Brown said in the official release. “The basketball scene is extremely well-organized, extremely well-coached, and the growth of the game is not to be disputed. The wonderful Australian culture only adds to the rise of the game. Australia has been good to me and I am thrilled to be able to give back in some small way.”
Brett Brown was an assistant coach for the Melbourne Tigers (now Melbourne United) from 1988-1993 and he coached Ben Simmons’ father, David Simmons, for four seasons. David played 13 years of professional basketball in Australia and now his son, Ben, plays for the Philadelphia 76ers under Brett Brown. Brown was named the head coach of the Australian national team in 2009 after serving as an assistant from 1995-2003.
“The 76ers have strong, authentic connections to Australia and the growth of our fanbase there has been remarkable,” Philadelphia 76ers Managing Partner Josh Harris said. “It’s an honor and privilege to host Melbourne United in Philadelphia, and we look forward to being a part of this unique convergence of the NBA and NBL.”
Meanwhile, Melbourne-born Ben Simmons was just named NBA Rookie of the Year on June 25, becoming the first Australian player to win the award. Simmons took home rookie honors after a phenomenal, record-breaking season that saw him post impressive averages of 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 8.2 assists while also posting 12 triple-doubles and 38 double-doubles.
