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 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

September 2016: Fractures foot, Out for 3-4 months

On September 30, 2016, Ben Simmons fractured the fifth metatarsal bone of his right foot during the 76ers' final training camp scrimmage and was estimated to miss three to four months.

2016: LSU Fails to Receive NCAA Tournament Berth

In 2016, LSU finished the regular season with an 18–13 record and failed to receive an NCAA tournament berth.

February 2017: Ruled out for entire season

On February 24, 2017, Ben Simmons was ruled out for the entire 2016–17 NBA season after tests revealed that his broken right foot had not fully healed.

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.

August 2021: Simmons requests trade from 76ers

In August 2021, Ben Simmons decided he no longer wanted to play for the 76ers and requested a trade, indicating a willingness to miss training camp to enforce the demand, due to an ineffective mesh with Embiid.

October 2021: Simmons returns to 76ers, faces suspension

In October 2021, Ben Simmons returned to the 76ers but was thrown out of practice for refusing to participate in a drill. He was then suspended for a game due to conduct detrimental to the team.

2021: 76ers' Game 7 loss and its aftermath

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 key turning point. Coach Doc Rivers' response to a question about Simmons' ability to lead a championship team added to the uncertainty.

2021: Simmons misses training camp

In 2021, Ben Simmons followed through with his intention to miss training camp. He also put his Philadelphia home on the market for $3.1 million, and the 76ers withheld a portion of his salary.

January 2022: 76ers limit fining Simmons

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

August 2022: Simmons settles grievance with 76ers

In August 2022, Ben Simmons and the 76ers reached a settlement for an undisclosed amount regarding the grievance he filed to recoup nearly $20 million in withheld salary.

February 2023: Simmons receives PRP injection for knee

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

2023: Career lows during 2022-2023 season

During the 2022–23 season, Ben Simmons posted career lows in minutes per game (26.3), points per game (6.9), rebounds per game (6.3), assists per game (6.1), and free throw percentage (43.9).