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. After a standout single season at LSU, he was the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He missed his first season due to injury, later winning NBA Rookie of the Year in 2018 and becoming a three-time NBA All-Star. A holdout with the 76ers after the 2020-21 season and subsequent trade to the Brooklyn Nets has made Simmons the most fined player in NBA history based on total financial loss.

Sections (5)

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

2013: Simmons debuts for Australia

Ben Simmons made his senior debut for Australia in the 2013 FIBA Oceania Championship against New Zealand. He scored four total points in the two-game series and was a part of the gold medal-winning Australian team.

July 2014: Simmons added to 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.

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

In November 2015, Ben Simmons made his college debut in LSU's season opener, recording a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds in a win over McNeese State.

March 2016: Declares for NBA Draft

On March 21, 2016, Ben Simmons declared for the 2016 NBA draft, forgoing his final three years of college eligibility.

April 2016: Withdrew from Australian Olympic team

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

June 2016: Signed endorsement deal with Nike

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

July 2016: Signs with 76ers and Joins Summer League

In July 2016, Ben Simmons signed his rookie scale contract with the 76ers and joined the team for the 2016 NBA Summer League.

November 2016: Featured in Showtime documentary film One & Done

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

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2016: Drafted first overall

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

2016: Drafted #1 overall by Philadelphia 76ers

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

October 2017: Expressed intent to represent Australia at the 2020 Summer Olympics

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

October 2017: NBA Debut

On October 18, 2017, Ben Simmons made his NBA debut, scoring 18 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in a loss to the Washington Wizards. In his third game, on October 21, Simmons recorded 18 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. By October 23, Simmons recorded his first career triple-double.

September 2018: Simmons begins working to improve his shooting

In September 2018, Ben Simmons began working with his brother Liam Tribe-Simmons to improve his shooting during the off-season, and planned to continue this throughout the season.

October 2018: Simmons records 19 points, 15 rebounds in season opener

On October 16, 2018, Ben Simmons recorded 19 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists in the 76ers' season opener, a 105–87 loss to the Boston Celtics. Two days later in October 2018, he achieved a triple-double against the Chicago Bulls.

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

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

July 2019: Simmons agrees to $170 million contract extension

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

July 2019: Announced he would not play in 2019 FIBA World Cup

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

October 2019: Simmons scores 24 points in season opener

On October 23, 2019, in the 2019–20 NBA season opener, Ben Simmons scored 24 points in a win against the Boston Celtics.

January 2020: Simmons scores 34 points against Nets

On January 20, 2020, Ben Simmons scored 34 points in a win over the Brooklyn Nets. Later in January, he was selected for his second All-Star appearance.

August 2020: Simmons returns during NBA Bubble

On August 1, 2020, Ben Simmons returned to play during the NBA Bubble, scoring 19 points in a loss to the Indiana Pacers, after being sidelined with a back injury.

2020: Holdout and Trade

In 2020, Ben Simmons held out from the 76ers following the 2020–21 season, leading to a trade to the Brooklyn Nets.

February 2021: Simmons records career-high 42 points

On February 15, 2021, Ben Simmons recorded a career-high 42 points in a 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: Simmons traded to Brooklyn Nets

On February 10, 2022, Ben Simmons, along with Andre Drummond, Seth Curry, and draft picks, was traded to the Brooklyn Nets for James Harden and Paul Millsap.

October 2022: Simmons makes Nets debut

On October 19, 2022, Ben Simmons made his debut for the Brooklyn Nets, recording four points, five rebounds, and five assists in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

January 2023: Simmons records season-high assists

On January 12, 2023, Ben Simmons dished out a season-high 13 assists in a loss to the Boston Celtics. On January 17, Simmons recorded his first triple-double as a Net.

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

In August 2023, Ben Simmons declared his intent to join the Australian team for the 2024 Summer Olympics, but was ultimately not included in the preliminary team selection pool.

January 2024: Simmons makes season debut

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