Ben Simmons's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Ben Simmons. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Ben Simmons is an Australian professional basketball player who was drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016 after a single college season with LSU. Sidelined by injury his first year, he earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2018 and became a three-time NBA All-Star with the 76ers. Following a holdout after the 2020-21 season, he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets. After a buyout by the Nets, Simmons joined the Los Angeles Clippers.

Sections (5)

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

1960: Oscar Robertson's Record

In 1960, Oscar Robertson set a record that Ben Simmons matched in 2017, posting 10-plus points, 10-plus rebounds, and 5-plus assists in his first three NBA games.

1967: Art Williams' Rookie Triple-Double

In 1967, Art Williams recorded a triple-double in his first four games, a feat matched by Ben Simmons in 2017.

1980: First Rookie Playoff Triple-Double since Magic Johnson

In the 2018 NBA playoffs, Ben Simmons became the first rookie since Magic Johnson in 1980 to have a playoff triple-double. At the season's end, Simmons was named the NBA Rookie of the Year and earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors.

December 1991: Shaquille O'Neal's 43 points

In December 1991, Shaquille O'Neal scored 43 points against Northern Arizona. In comparison, Ben Simmons scored 43 points against North Florida on December 2, 2015.

2001: 76ers Best Team Mark Since 2001

The 76ers record of 52-30 set the best team mark since 2001, when they went 56-26. In April 2018, Simmons was named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for games played in March and April, earning the award for the third consecutive month and the fourth time overall.

April 2013: Helped Montverde win High School National Tournament

In April 2013, Ben Simmons helped Montverde Academy win the High School National Tournament.

2013: Junior Season at Montverde Academy

During the 2013–14 season, Ben Simmons returned to Montverde Academy for his junior season, where he averaged 18.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, leading the team to a 28–0 record and a High School National Tournament victory. He earned MVP honors.

2013: Preseason Player of the Year

Prior to his freshman year of college in 2013, Ben Simmons was named the SEC's Preseason Player of the Year and earned Associated Press preseason All-America team honours.

January 2015: Named McDonald's All-American Game Starter

On 28 January 2015, Ben Simmons was named as a starter for the East team to compete in the 38th annual McDonald's All-American Game.

March 2015: Won Multiple Awards

In March 2015, Ben Simmons was named the Morgan Wootten Award winner on March 10. He then was named the Naismith Prep Player of the Year on March 12 and the Gatorade National Player of the Year on March 24 after leading the Eagles to a 28–1 record.

2015: High School National Tournament Title

In 2015, Ben Simmons led Montverde Academy to a third consecutive High School National Tournament title, earning MVP honors. He also competed in the 2015 Nike Hoop Summit for the World Team.

2015: Ranked #1 Player

In 2015, Ben Simmons was considered a five-star recruit by ESPN.com, listed as the No. 1 power forward and the No. 1 player in the nation.

January 2016: Compared to LeBron James

In January 2016, after a win over Kentucky, Ben Simmons was dubbed the best all-round player since LeBron James by Magic Johnson. Later in January, Simmons was benched for a game due to academic reasons.

October 2017: NBA Debut

In October 2017, Ben Simmons made his NBA debut, recording 18 points and 10 rebounds. He then joined Oscar Robertson as the only players to post 10+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in their first three NBA games. In his fourth game, Simmons recorded his first career triple-double.

October 2018: Simmons Records Double-Double in Season Opener

On October 16, 2018, in the 76ers' season opener, Ben Simmons recorded 19 points and 15 rebounds in a loss to the Boston Celtics. Two days later, he had a triple-double in a win over the Chicago Bulls and became the first Sixer to ever get one in a home opener.

2018: NBA Rookie of the Year

In 2018, Ben Simmons was named the NBA Rookie of the Year.

January 2020: Simmons Scores 34 Points in Win Over Nets

On January 20, 2020, Ben Simmons scored 34 points and recorded 12 assists and 12 rebounds in a 117–111 win over the Brooklyn Nets. On January 30, it was announced Simmons had been awarded with his second All-Star appearance.