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 drafted first overall in 2016 by the Philadelphia 76ers. After a single season at LSU, where he earned All-American honors, Simmons sat out his initial NBA season due to injury, later winning Rookie of the Year in 2018. A three-time NBA All-Star with Philadelphia, a holdout and subsequent trade sent him to the Brooklyn Nets. Following a buyout from the Nets in February 2025, Simmons signed with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Sections (5)

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

2013: Multiple verbal confirmations to play for Australia

Since 2013, Simmons has verbally stated that he would play for Australia on multiple occasions (including the FIBA World Cup and the Olympics), but has always withdrawn from the team before competition.

August 2015: Intention to Represent Australia at Olympics

In August 2015, Simmons signaled his intentions to represent Australia at the 2016 Summer Olympics and said 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.

March 2016: Declared for the NBA draft

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

April 2016: Withdrawal from Olympics

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

July 2016: Signed with the 76ers

In July 2016, Ben Simmons signed his rookie contract with the Philadelphia 76ers and participated in the NBA Summer League, earning All-Las Vegas Summer League First Team honors.

November 2016: Featured in Showtime documentary 'One & Done'

In November 2016, Ben Simmons was featured in the Showtime documentary film 'One & Done'. The film provided insights into his experiences as a one-and-done college player and explored his and his family's perspectives on the NCAA and the NBA's "one and done" rule.

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2016: Drafted first overall by 76ers

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

2016: Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers

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

2016: LSU's Season and Tournament Performance

In 2016, LSU finished the regular season with an 18–13 record, reached the SEC tournament semifinals, and failed to receive an NCAA tournament berth, with Simmons leading the team in most statistical categories.

October 2017: NBA Debut and Early Records

In October 2017, Ben Simmons made his NBA debut, achieved several milestones in his first few games, and became the only player in NBA history to begin a season with at least 170 points, 100 rebounds, and 80 assists in his team's first 10 games.

October 2017: Intention to Represent Australia at 2020 Olympics

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

October 2018: 76ers Season Opener and Triple-Double

In October 2018, during the 76ers' season opener on October 16, Simmons recorded 19 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists in a loss to the Boston Celtics. On October 18, he achieved a triple-double with 13 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists in a win over the Chicago Bulls, becoming the first Sixer to ever get one in a home opener.

May 2019: Commitment to 2019 FIBA World Cup

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

July 2019: Withdrawal from 2019 FIBA World Cup

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

July 2019: Contract Extension with the 76ers

On July 15, 2019, Simmons agreed to a $170 million, five-year contract extension with the 76ers.

October 2019: 2019-20 NBA Season Opener

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

January 2020: All-Star Appearance and Game Performance

In January 2020, Simmons scored 34 points against the Brooklyn Nets and was selected for his second All-Star appearance. On January 30, 2020, he was drafted by Team LeBron and scored 17 points, 5 assists, and 6 rebounds in a Team LeBron win.

August 2020: Return to Play in NBA Bubble

On August 1, 2020, Simmons returned to play in the NBA Bubble, scoring 19 points with 13 rebounds in a loss to the Indiana Pacers. He then sat out the playoffs due to a knee injury, and the 76ers were eliminated by the Boston Celtics.

2020: NBA Steals Leader and All-NBA Recognition

At the end of the 2020 season, Simmons was recognized as the 2020 NBA steals leader, was named to the All-NBA Third Team and the NBA All-Defensive First team.

2020: Intention to Represent Australia at 2020 Olympics

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

February 2021: Career-High 42 Points

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

June 2021: Withdrawal from 2020 Olympics

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

August 2021: Trade Demand and Departure Desire

In August 2021, Simmons decided he no longer wanted to be a member of the 76ers, requesting a trade and indicating he would miss training camp to enforce his demand, citing issues with his fit alongside Joel Embiid.

October 2021: Return to Team, Suspension, and Fines

In October 2021, Simmons returned to the team, was thrown out of practice by Rivers, and was suspended for one game due to conduct detrimental to the team. He had been previously fined and became the most-fined player in NBA history due to missed games, practices, and meetings.

February 2022: Trade to the Brooklyn Nets

On February 10, 2022, Simmons was traded to the Brooklyn Nets along with Andre Drummond, Seth Curry, and two future first-round picks in exchange for James Harden and Paul Millsap.

August 2022: Settlement with 76ers

In August 2022, Simmons and the 76ers settled the grievance filed by Simmons for an undisclosed amount.

October 2022: Nets Debut

On October 19, 2022, Simmons made his Nets debut, putting up four points, five rebounds, and five assists before fouling out in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

January 2023: Season-High 13 Assists

On January 12, 2023, 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, logging ten points, ten rebounds and eleven assists in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

August 2023: Intent to Join Australian Team for 2024 Olympics

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

January 2024: Season Debut After Injury

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

April 2024: Not included in preliminary team selection

In April 2024, Simmons was not included in the preliminary team selection pool announced for the Australian team for the 2024 Summer Olympics due to back problems.