Simmons makes comeback in NBA pre-season

Australian Ben Simmons was solid for Philadelphia in his long-awaited return from injury in an NBA pre-season match.

Ben Simmons has finally played his first game for the Philadelphia 76ers. (AAP)

Ben Simmons has made a successful return to competitive basketball from a year-long injury absence in Philadelphia's NBA pre-season game against Memphis.

The Australian had six points -- shooting at 25 per cent -- and a team-high nine assists and seven rebounds in the 76ers' 110-89 loss to the Grizzlies on Wednesday.

The 2016 No.1 draft pick played 22 minutes at point guard and appears to be fully recovered from the broken foot which sidelined him last season.

Simmons, 21, impressed with a series of superb assists as he nears his NBA debut when the regular season starts on October 18 against Washington.

Markelle Fultz, this year's top draft selection, scored four points shooting just 15 per cent from the floor.

Jahlil Okafor and Robert Covington top-scored for the 76ers with 13 points each.