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that he would play for Australia on multiple occasions (including the FIBA World Cup and the Olympics), but has always withdrawn from the team before competition.

January 2016: Dubbed best all-round player since LeBron James

In January 2016, Ben Simmons was dubbed the best all-round player since LeBron James by Magic Johnson; later that month, he was benched for a game due to academic reasons.

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.

September 2016: Ankle Injury

In September 2016, Ben Simmons rolled his right ankle during training camp with the 76ers, resulting in a fractured foot.

February 2017: Ruled out for entire 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, Simmons announced that he would not play for the Australian national team in 2019, citing "professional obligations".

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: Season with the 76ers

After the 2020–21 season, Ben Simmons held out from the 76ers.

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.

January 2022: Limited Fining and Grievance Filing

In January 2022, the 76ers limited fining Simmons for attending meetings, but continued to dock him for missed games. Simmons later filed a grievance to recoup nearly $20 million in salary.

February 2023: Knee Issues and PRP Injection

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

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.