Career Timeline of Ben Simmons: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Ben Simmons built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Ben Simmons is an Australian professional basketball player currently with the Los Angeles Clippers. He played college basketball at LSU, earning All-American honors. Drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016, he missed his first season due to injury but was named Rookie of the Year in 2018. Simmons is a three-time NBA All-Star. A holdout from the 76ers following the 2020-21 season resulted in a trade to the Brooklyn Nets and significant fines, making him the most-fined player in NBA history.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2005: Andrew Bogut drafted #1 overall

In 2005, Andrew Bogut was drafted #1 overall.

2011: Kyrie Irving drafted #1 overall

In 2011, Kyrie Irving was drafted #1 overall.

2012: FIBA Under-17 World Championship

In 2012, at age 15, Ben Simmons represented Australia at the FIBA Under-17 World Championship, contributing to the team's silver medal win.

April 2013: High School National Tournament Victory

In April 2013, Ben Simmons helped Montverde Academy rally to beat St Benedict's in the final of the High School National Tournament.

June 2013: Joined Bulleen Boomers

In June 2013, after competing in the Jordan Brand Classic International Game, Ben Simmons returned to Melbourne and joined the Bulleen Boomers of the Big V competition.

October 2013: Committed to LSU

On 14 October 2013, Ben Simmons committed to Louisiana State University (LSU), choosing LSU over offers from Kentucky, Kansas, and Duke.

2013: Senior Debut for Australia

In 2013, Ben Simmons made his senior debut for Australia in the FIBA Oceania Championship against New Zealand, contributing to the team's gold medal win.

2013: Junior Season at Montverde Academy

In 2013, during his junior season, Ben Simmons averaged 18.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, leading Montverde Academy to a 28-0 record and a High School National Tournament victory over Oak Hill Academy. He earned MVP honors.

2013: Verbal commitment to play for Australia

Since 2013, Ben Simmons had verbally stated on multiple occasions his commitment to play for Australia in competitions like the FIBA World Cup and the Olympics, but withdrew each time before the competition.

July 2014: Boomers Extended Squad

In July 2014, Ben Simmons was added to the Boomers extended squad for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, but did not make the final 12-man roster.

November 2014: Signed National Letter of Intent with LSU

In November 2014, Ben Simmons officially signed a National Letter of Intent to play college basketball for LSU.

2014: Sister's employment at Klutch Sports

In 2014, Ben Simmons' sister Emily, a former member of the Washington State University women's rowing team, started working for Klutch Sports.

January 2015: McDonald's All-American Selection

In January 2015, Ben Simmons was selected as a starter for the East team in the McDonald's All-American Game.

March 2015: Awards and Recognition

In March 2015, Ben Simmons received the Morgan Wootten Award, Naismith Prep Player of the Year, and Gatorade National Player of the Year after a stellar season leading the Eagles to a 28-1 record.

August 2015: Signaled intentions to represent Australia at the 2016 Summer Olympics

In August 2015, Ben Simmons signaled his intentions to represent Australia at the 2016 Summer Olympics and stated that he was aiming to win a medal.

November 2015: College Debut with LSU

In November 2015, Ben Simmons made his college debut for LSU, recording a double-double in a win over McNeese State.

2015: High School National Tournament Title and Nike Hoop Summit

In 2015, Ben Simmons led Montverde Academy to a third consecutive High School National Tournament title, earning MVP honors. He also competed in the Nike Hoop Summit for the World Team, scoring 13 points in a win over Team USA.

January 2016: Comparisons to LeBron James and Bench Due to Academics

In January 2016, Ben Simmons was compared to LeBron James by Magic Johnson and was later benched for a game against Tennessee due to academic reasons. He was named first-team All-Southeastern Conference and the league's Freshman of the Year.

March 2016: Declared for NBA Draft

In March 2016, after LSU failed to earn an NCAA tournament bid, Ben Simmons declared for the 2016 NBA draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility. He signed with Klutch Sports and planned to move to Phoenix, Arizona.

April 2016: Withdrew from the Australian team

In April 2016, Ben Simmons withdrew from the Australian team to prepare for his rookie NBA season.

June 2016: Signed endorsement deal with Nike

On 7 June 2016, Ben Simmons signed an endorsement deal with Nike.

July 2016: Signed with 76ers and Summer League Performance

In July 2016, Ben Simmons signed his rookie contract with the Philadelphia 76ers and participated in the NBA Summer League. Despite shooting poorly, he was praised for his court awareness and passing ability and was named to the All-Las Vegas Summer League First Team.

November 2016: Featured in 'One & Done' documentary

In November 2016, Ben Simmons was featured in the Showtime documentary film "One & Done", providing insights into his time as a one-and-done college player.

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2016: Drafted #1 Overall by Philadelphia 76ers

In 2016, Ben Simmons was selected as the first overall pick in the NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.

2016: Drafted #1 Overall by 76ers

In 2016, Ben Simmons was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the number one overall pick in the NBA draft.

2016: LSU's Season and Tournament Performance

In 2016, LSU finished the regular season with an 18-13 record and lost in the SEC tournament semifinals, failing to receive an NCAA tournament berth. Ben Simmons led the team in most statistical categories, averaging 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game.

October 2017: Intentions to represent Australia at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo

In October 2017, Ben Simmons made clear his intentions to represent Australia at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

October 2017: NBA Debut and Early Records

In October 2017, Ben Simmons made his NBA debut, recording 18 points and 10 rebounds. He joined Oscar Robertson as the only players to post 10-plus points, 10-plus rebounds, and 5-plus assists in their first three NBA games. He recorded his first career triple-double in his fourth game, becoming the third rookie to do so in his first four games, after Robertson (1960) and Art Williams (1967).

September 2018: Simmons Works on Improving Shooting

In September 2018, Ben Simmons started working with his brother Liam Tribe-Simmons to improve his shooting skills during the off-season, with plans to continue throughout the season.

October 2018: Season Opener Loss to Celtics, Triple-Double Against Bulls

In October 16, 2018, Ben Simmons recorded 19 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists in a 105–87 loss to the Boston Celtics in the 76ers' season opener. Two days later in October 18, he achieved a triple-double with 13 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 127–108 win over the Chicago Bulls, becoming the first Sixer to achieve this in a home opener.

2018: NBA Rookie of the Year

In 2018, Ben Simmons was named the NBA Rookie of the Year.

2018: Brother hired as shooting coach

In the summer of 2018, Ben Simmons' brother Liam resigned as assistant coach to work with Simmons on improving his shooting game.

May 2019: Confirmed representation of Australia in the FIBA World Cup

On 15 May 2019, Ben Simmons confirmed that he would represent Australia in the 2019 FIBA World Cup and exhibition games against Canada and the United States.

July 2019: Simmons Agrees to Contract Extension

In July 2019, Ben Simmons and the 76ers agreed to a five-year contract extension worth $170 million.

July 2019: Announced withdrawal from the Australian national team

In July 2019, Ben Simmons announced that he would not play for the Australian national team in 2019, citing "professional obligations".

October 2019: Strong Start to 2019-20 Season

On October 23, 2019, in the 2019–20 NBA season opener against the Boston Celtics, Ben Simmons scored 24 points and recorded nine assists and eight rebounds in a 107–93 win.

January 2020: Simmons Scores 34 Points Against Nets, All-Star Selection

On January 20, 2020, Ben Simmons scored 34 points and recorded 12 assists and 12 rebounds in a 117–111 win over the Brooklyn Nets. On January 30, he was awarded his second All-Star appearance.

August 2020: Return to Play in NBA Bubble

On August 1, 2020, Ben Simmons returned to play during the NBA Bubble where he scored 19 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists in a loss to the Indiana Pacers.

2020: Holdout and Trade

In 2020, Ben Simmons' holdout from the 76ers began, ultimately leading to a trade to the Brooklyn Nets.

2020: Intention to represent Australia at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo

In October 2017, Simmons made clear his intentions to represent Australia at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo; however, he withdrew from the Australia Olympic squad in June 2021.

February 2021: Career-High 42 Points Against Jazz

On February 15, 2021, Ben Simmons recorded a double-double with a career-high 42 points and 12 assists in a 134–123 loss to the Utah Jazz.

June 2021: Withdrew from Australia Olympic squad

In June 2021, Ben Simmons withdrew from the Australia Olympic squad, stating that he was focusing on improving his shooting skills for the 2021–22 NBA season.

February 2022: Trade to Brooklyn Nets

In February 2022, Ben Simmons was traded to the Brooklyn Nets along with Andre Drummond, Seth Curry, and future first-round picks in exchange for James Harden and Paul Millsap.

October 2022: Nets Debut

In October 19, 2022, Ben Simmons made his Nets debut, scoring four points with five rebounds and five assists before fouling out in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

January 2023: Season-High Assists

In January 12, 2023, Ben Simmons dished out a season-high 13 assists in a loss to the Boston Celtics.

August 2023: Declared intent to join the Australian team for the 2024 Summer Olympics

In August 2023, Ben Simmons declared his intent to join the Australian team for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

January 2024: Season Debut After Injury

On January 29, 2024, Ben Simmons made his season debut after missing the first 38 games due to injury, recording 10 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds in a win against the Utah Jazz.