Challenges Faced by Ben Simmons: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Ben Simmons faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Ben Simmons is an Australian professional basketball player currently with the Los Angeles Clippers. After a single college season at LSU, where he earned All-American honors, he was drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016. Simmons missed his first season due to injury but was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 2018 and earned three All-Star selections. A holdout from the 76ers following the 2020-21 season that led to a trade to the Brooklyn Nets resulted in him becoming the most-fined player in NBA history in terms of total financial loss.

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

April 2016: Withdrawal from 2016 Olympics

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

September 2016: Ankle Injury

In September 2016, Ben Simmons rolled his right ankle during the 76ers' training camp, resulting in a fractured fifth metatarsal bone.

2016: End of LSU Season

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

February 2017: Ruled out for the Season

In February 2017, Ben Simmons was ruled out for the entire 2016-17 NBA season due to his broken right foot not fully healing.

July 2019: Withdrawal from 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".

2020: Holdout from 76ers

In 2020, Ben Simmons' holdout from the 76ers began, ultimately leading to his trade to the Brooklyn Nets and him becoming the most-fined player in NBA history.

June 2021: Withdrawal 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.

August 2021: Trade Demand and Departure Desire

In August 2021, Ben Simmons, despite having four years left on his contract with the 76ers, decided he no longer wanted to be a member of the team and requested a trade, indicating he was willing to miss training camp to enforce it.

October 2021: Return to 76ers, Suspension, and Fines

In October 2021, specifically on October 11, Ben Simmons returned to the 76ers. However, on October 19, he was thrown out of practice and suspended for one game due to conduct detrimental to the team. Simmons was also fined for missing preseason games and practices. Later in October after citing mental health issues, the fines were briefly stopped before being restarted, leading him to become the most-fined player in NBA history, surpassing $10 million by the end of 2021.

2021: Eastern Conference Semifinals Loss and Team Doubts

After the 76ers' Game 7 loss in the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Joel Embiid cited Ben Simmons' decision to pass up an open dunk as a turning point. Following the game, Coach Doc Rivers expressed uncertainty about whether Simmons could be a point guard on a championship team.

January 2022: Limited Fining and Continued Docking

In January 2022, the 76ers reportedly limited their fining of Ben Simmons in response to him attending team meetings and counseling sessions but continued to dock him for missed games.

August 2022: Settlement with 76ers

In August 2022, Ben Simmons and the 76ers settled his grievance to recoup nearly $20 million in salary withheld from him by the team. The settlement amount was undisclosed.

February 2023: Knee Treatment

In February 2023, Ben Simmons had his knee drained and received a PRP injection for his ongoing left knee soreness.

2023: Injury and Season's End Announcement

In 2023, After playing in only 15 games for the Nets, On March 7, the Nets announced that Ben Simmons would miss the remainder of the season due to a nerve impingement in his lower back.