Ben Simmons is an Australian professional basketball player for the Brooklyn Nets. He was drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016 after a successful college career at LSU. He earned NBA Rookie of the Year honors in 2018 and was a three-time All-Star. However, his tenure with the 76ers ended with a holdout, resulting in a trade to the Nets. This holdout led to significant fines, making Simmons the most-fined player in NBA history.
10 February 2022: Simmons traded to Brooklyn Nets
On 10 February 2022, Ben 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.
12 January 2023: Season-high 13 assists
On 12 January 2023, Ben Simmons dished out a season-high 13 assists, alongside nine rebounds and two steals, in a 109–98 loss to the Boston Celtics.
15 March 2024: Underwent microscopic partial discectomy
On 15 March 2024, Ben Simmons underwent a microscopic partial discectomy to alleviate a nerve impingement in his back.
16 March 2023: Progressed to on-court work
On 16 March 2023, Jacque Vaughn stated that Ben Simmons had progressed to doing on-court work.
17 January 2023: First triple-double as a Net
On 17 January 2023, Ben Simmons recorded his first triple-double as a Net, logging ten points, ten rebounds, and eleven assists in a 106–98 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
17 November 2022: Season-high 13 rebounds
On 17 November 2022, Ben Simmons recorded a season-high 13 rebounds, alongside fifteen points and seven assists, in a 109–107 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.
19 October 2022: Nets debut
On 19 October 2022, Ben Simmons made his debut with the Brooklyn Nets, scoring four points, five rebounds, and five assists before fouling out in a 130–108 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.
1980: Magic Johnson's Rookie Playoff Triple-Double
In 1980, Magic Johnson, as a rookie, achieved a triple-double during the NBA playoffs. This feat was later matched by Ben Simmons in his rookie playoff run in 2017, highlighting their similar impact on the game early in their careers.
1989: Ben Simmon's Father Begins Professional Basketball Career
In 1989, Ben Simmons's father, Dave Simmons, began his professional basketball journey with the Melbourne Tigers in Australia's National Basketball League.
December 1991: Record-Breaking Performance
In December 1991, Ben Simmons delivered a remarkable performance against North Florida, scoring 43 points, a feat not achieved by an LSU Tigers player since Shaquille O'Neal in December 1991.
July 1996: Ben Simmons is Born
Ben Simmons was born in July 1996, an event that marked the beginning of a journey filled with basketball and personal milestones.
20 November 2022: Season-high 22 points
On 20 November 2022, Ben Simmons scored a season-high 22 points, alongside eight rebounds and five assists, in a 127–115 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
2011: Early Basketball Experience
In 2011, a 15-year-old Ben Simmons showcased his basketball talents by playing for Box Hill Senior Secondary College at the Australian Schools Championships.
2012: Exposure and International Representation
In 2012, Ben Simmons participated in the prestigious Pangos All-American Camp, gaining valuable exposure to the US basketball scene. That same year, he was selected to represent Australia at the FIBA Under-17 World Championship, marking his early entry into international basketball.
2012: Represented Australia at FIBA U-17 World Championship
In 2012, Ben Simmons represented Australia at the FIBA Under-17 World Championship at age 15, helping the team win a silver medal. His tournament highlights included a 26-point, 10-rebound, 5-steal outing against the Czech Republic.
January 2013: Move to the US for Basketball
In January 2013, Ben Simmons made a pivotal move to the United States to further hone his basketball skills against players of similar caliber, enrolling in Montverde Academy in Florida.
April 2013: High School National Tournament Victory
Ben Simmons played a key role in Montverde Academy's win at the High School National Tournament in April 2013. His performance in the final against New Jersey's St Benedict's, where he helped his team overcome a 16-point deficit, showcased his talent and resilience.
June 2013: Joining the Bulleen Boomers
In June 2013, Ben Simmons joined the Bulleen Boomers of the Big V competition in Melbourne, Australia, further enriching his basketball experience.
2013: Junior Season Success
Ben Simmons' junior season at Montverde Academy in 2013 was marked by impressive achievements. He led the team to an undefeated season, culminating in a victory at the High School National Tournament. His individual performance earned him MVP honors, solidifying his status as a top high school basketball prospect.
2013: Preseason Accolades and Australian Tour
As Ben Simmons entered his freshman year of college in 2013, he embarked on a successful tour of Australia with the LSU Tigers. He also garnered significant preseason recognition, including being named the SEC's Preseason Player of the Year and earning a spot on the Associated Press preseason All-America team.
2013: Senior debut for Australia
In 2013, Ben Simmons made his senior debut for Australia in the FIBA Oceania Championship against New Zealand, scoring four total points in the two-game series and winning a gold medal with the team.
July 2014: 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.
November 2014: Signing with LSU
In November 2014, Ben Simmons solidified his commitment to LSU by signing a National Letter of Intent to play college basketball for the Tigers.
2014: Sister joined Klutch Sports
Since 2014, Ben Simmons' sister Emily, who was a former member of the Washington State University women's rowing team, has worked for Klutch Sports.
January 2015: McDonald's All-American Game Selection
In January 2015, Ben Simmons was chosen as a starter for the East team in the prestigious McDonald's All-American Game, signifying his elite status among high school players.
March 2015: National Recognition and Awards
Ben Simmons received several prestigious awards in March 2015, including the Morgan Wootten Award, the Naismith Prep Player of the Year, and the Gatorade National Player of the Year, showcasing his exceptional talent, leadership, and character.
August 2015: Intended to play in 2016 Olympics
In August 2015, Ben Simmons signaled his intentions to represent Australia at the 2016 Summer Olympics and aimed to win a medal.
November 2015: College Debut
Ben Simmons made his highly anticipated college debut for LSU in November 2015, recording a double-double in a winning effort against McNeese State.
2015: Continued Success and International Competition
In 2015, Ben Simmons continued to excel, leading Montverde Academy to a third consecutive High School National Tournament title and earning MVP honors. He also showcased his skills on the international stage, representing the World Team at the Nike Hoop Summit, where he contributed to a victory over Team USA.
2015: Top Recruit Ranking
By 2015, Ben Simmons had solidified his standing as a top basketball prospect, being ranked as the No. 1 power forward and the No. 1 player in the nation by ESPN.com.
January 2016: Praise from Magic Johnson and SEC Honors
After a strong performance against Kentucky in January 2016, Ben Simmons received high praise from NBA legend Magic Johnson. He was also recognized for his outstanding play in the SEC, being named first-team All-Southeastern Conference and the league's Freshman of the Year.
March 2016: Ben Simmons Declares for the NBA Draft
In March 2016, after LSU failed to earn a bid for the NCAA tournament, Ben Simmons declared for the 2016 NBA draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility. He withdrew from school and signed with Klutch Sports, a sports agency owned by Rich Paul.
April 2016: Withdrew from 2016 Olympics
In April 2016, Ben Simmons withdrew from the Australian national team to prepare for his rookie season in the NBA.
July 2016: Ben Simmons Signs with the 76ers and Joins Summer League
Ben Simmons officially signed his rookie contract with the Philadelphia 76ers in July 2016. He then participated in the 2016 NBA Summer League. While his shooting was inconsistent, his court vision and passing skills as a big man were notable. He was subsequently named to the All-Las Vegas Summer League First Team, averaging 10.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game.
September 2016: Ben Simmons Suffers Foot Injury
During the 76ers' final training camp scrimmage in September 2016, Ben Simmons rolled his right ankle. Medical examinations revealed a fractured fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot. It was initially estimated that he would be sidelined for three to four months.
November 2016: Featured in documentary
In November 2016, Ben Simmons was featured in the Showtime documentary film One & Done, which provided insight into his time as a one-and-done college player and explored his and his family's thoughts on the NCAA and the NBA's "one and done" rule.
2016: Drafted by the 76ers
In 2016, Ben Simmons was selected as the first overall pick in the NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, launching his professional career.
2016: SEC Tournament and Season Conclusion
In 2016, LSU, led by Ben Simmons, participated in the SEC tournament. Despite a quarterfinal victory, they suffered a significant loss in the semifinals, ending their hopes for an NCAA tournament berth. Simmons concluded his freshman season leading the team in multiple statistical categories, showcasing his all-around talent.
2016: Ben Simmons Selected First Overall in NBA Draft
On June 23, 2016, Ben Simmons was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers as the number one overall pick in the NBA draft. This made him the third Melbourne-born player to achieve this distinction in 11 years, following Andrew Bogut in 2005 and Kyrie Irving in 2011. He also became the first college player in the modern era to be drafted first overall despite not playing in the NCAA tournament.
February 2017: Ben Simmons Ruled Out for Entire Season
In February 2017, further tests revealed that Ben Simmons' fractured right foot hadn't fully healed. As a result, he was ruled out for the entire 2016-2017 NBA season.
October 2017: Ben Simmons Makes NBA Debut
On October 18, 2017, Ben Simmons made his long-awaited NBA debut against the Washington Wizards, scoring 18 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in a close loss.
September 2018: Simmons Focuses on Shooting Improvement
In September 2018, Ben Simmons began working with his brother Liam Tribe-Simmons to enhance his shooting skills during the off-season.
October 2018: Simmons' Strong Start to the Season
Ben Simmons started the 2018-19 season with impressive performances, including a triple-double in a home opener win against the Chicago Bulls on October 18, 2018.
2018: Rookie of the Year
Ben Simmons was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2018, a testament to his outstanding debut season in the league.
2018: Brother becomes shooting coach
In the summer of 2018, Ben Simmons' brother Liam resigned his position as assistant coach at the University of California, Riverside, to work with Simmons on improving his shooting game. The decision was met with some controversy and criticism.
July 2019: Withdrew from 2019 FIBA World Cup
In July 2019, Ben Simmons announced he would not play for the Australian national team in the 2019 FIBA World Cup, citing "professional obligations."
October 2019: Simmons' Impressive Season Opener
On October 23, 2019, Ben Simmons started the season strong with a 24-point performance, showcasing his improved shooting accuracy, in a win against the Boston Celtics.
January 2020: Simmons' All-Star Selection and Back Injury
Ben Simmons was selected for his second All-Star game in January 2020. However, he suffered a back injury in February 2020 that sidelined him for an extended period.
August 2020: Simmons' Return and Playoff Absence
Ben Simmons returned to play in August 2020 after a long injury layoff, but a knee injury kept him out of the playoffs, and the 76ers were eliminated in the first round.
2020: Simmons Earns Defensive Accolades
At the end of the 2020 season, Ben Simmons led the NBA in steals and was named to the All-NBA Third Team and the NBA All-Defensive First Team.
2020: Holdout and Trade
Following a holdout from the 76ers after the 2020-21 season, Ben Simmons was traded to the Brooklyn Nets. This event marked a turning point in his career, resulting in substantial financial losses due to fines, making him the most-fined player in NBA history.
February 2021: Simmons Scores Career-High 42 Points
On February 15, 2021, Ben Simmons set a new career-high with 42 points in a game against the Utah Jazz.
June 2021: Withdrew from 2020 Olympics
In June 2021, Ben Simmons withdrew from the Australia Olympic squad, stating he was focusing on improving his shooting skills for the 2021–22 NBA season.
August 2021: Simmons Requests Trade and Misses Training Camp
In August 2021, Ben Simmons requested a trade from the 76ers and expressed his willingness to sit out training camp to force the issue. This decision stemmed from perceived incompatibility with teammate Joel Embiid and a desire for a change of scenery.
October 2021: Simmons Returns, Gets Suspended, and Faces Fines
Ben Simmons returned to the 76ers on October 11, 2021, but his return was short-lived. He was suspended for the season opener after a practice incident and faced heavy fines for missing preseason games and refusing to participate in team activities.
2021: Embiid and Rivers Question Simmons' Role
Following a playoff loss in 2021, Joel Embiid criticized a key play by Ben Simmons, and coach Doc Rivers expressed uncertainty about Simmons' ability to be a point guard on a championship team.
2021: Engaged to Maya Jama
Over the 2021 Christmas holiday, Ben Simmons reportedly became engaged to British television personality Maya Jama.
2021: 76ers Withhold Simmons' Salary
Ben Simmons continued his holdout through training camp and the preseason. As a result, the Philadelphia 76ers placed a significant portion of his salary in escrow, signaling the escalating tension between the player and the organization.
January 2022: Simmons' Fines Reduced After Cooperation
In January 2022, the 76ers decided to reduce the fines imposed on Ben Simmons after he started to cooperate by attending team meetings and counseling sessions, but fines for missed games continued.
August 2022: Simmons Settles Grievance with 76ers
In August 2022, Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers reached a settlement regarding his grievance to recover nearly $20 million in withheld salary. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
August 2022: Ended engagement
In August 2022, Ben Simmons reportedly ended his engagement to British television personality Maya Jama.
February 2023: Knee drained and PRP injection
In February 2023, Ben Simmons had his knee drained and received a PRP injection for ongoing left knee soreness, which he had dealt with during the season.
2023: Included in preliminary team
In 2023, ESPN reported that Ben Simmons had been included in Australia's preliminary team selection pool for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
21 April 2022: Planned return for playoffs
On 21 April 2022, Ben Simmons reportedly planned to make his season debut in Game 4 against the Boston Celtics during the first round of the playoffs.
21 March 2022: Diagnosed with herniated disk
On 21 March 2022, Ben Simmons was diagnosed with a herniated disk in his back, which significantly impacted his playing ability.
24 April 2022: Misses Game 4
On 24 April 2022, with the Nets facing a sweep to the Celtics, it was announced that Ben Simmons would not play in Game 4 due to back soreness. The Nets lost the game and were eliminated from the playoffs.
24 March 2023: Diagnosed with nerve impingement
On 24 March 2023, the Nets announced that Ben Simmons had been diagnosed with a nerve impingement in his back and would be out indefinitely.
25 June 2016: Cousin killed in hit-and-run
On 25 June 2016, a cousin of Ben Simmons, who had attended the 2016 NBA draft, was killed in a hit-and-run in New Jersey.
25 March 2023: Most likely out for rest of season
On 25 March 2023, Jacque Vaughn stated that Ben Simmons would most likely not play for the rest of the season due to his nerve impingement.
28 March 2023: Season shut down
On 28 March 2023, Jacque Vaughn confirmed that the Nets would be shutting down Ben Simmons for the remainder of the season due to a nerve issue in his back.
29 January 2024: 2023-24 season debut
On 29 January 2024, Ben Simmons made his season debut after missing the first 38 games, recording 10 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds in a 147–114 win against the Utah Jazz.
3 October 2020: Endorsed Biden and Harris
On 3 October 2020, Ben Simmons announced his endorsement for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for the 2020 United States presidential election.
4 April 2022: Ruled out for season
On 4 April 2022, Nets head coach Steve Nash ruled out Ben Simmons for the remainder of the regular season and the play-in tournament due to his back injury.
5 March 2023: MRI reveals back inflammation
On 5 March 2023, Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn revealed that Ben Simmons had an MRI that found inflammation in his back.
5 May 2022: Underwent back surgery
On 5 May 2022, Ben Simmons underwent back surgery to address his ongoing issues with a herniated disk.
7 June 2016: Endorsement deal with Nike
On 7 June 2016, Ben Simmons signed an endorsement deal with Nike.
7 March 2024: Out for season due to nerve impingement
On 7 March 2024, the Nets announced that Ben Simmons would miss the remainder of the season due to a nerve impingement in his lower back.