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 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.

Sections (5)

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

1960: Oscar Robertson's Rookie Season

In 1960, Oscar Robertson achieved a triple-double in his first four NBA games.

1967: Art Williams' Rookie Season

In 1967, Art Williams achieved a triple-double in his first four NBA games.

1980: Magic Johnson's Playoff Triple-Double

In 1980, Magic Johnson achieved a playoff triple-double. During the 2018 playoffs, Ben Simmons became the first rookie since Magic Johnson in 1980 to have a playoff triple-double, helping the 76ers advance to the second round.

December 1991: Shaquille O'Neal's 43 Points

In December 1991, Shaquille O'Neal scored 43 points against Northern Arizona. On December 2nd, Ben Simmons matched this LSU record with 43 points in a game against North Florida.

2001: 76ers' Record Since 2001

In 2001, the Philadelphia 76ers had a record of 56-26. On April 10, 2018, the team set a franchise record with their 15th consecutive victory, finishing the regular season with a 16th straight win and earning the Eastern Conference's No. 3 seed in the playoffs.

April 2013: High School National Tournament Win

In April 2013, Ben Simmons helped Montverde Academy win the High School National Tournament against St Benedict's.

2013: Senior Debut for Australia

In 2013, Ben Simmons made his senior debut for Australia in the FIBA Oceania Championship against New Zealand. He was also a part of the gold medal-winning Australian team.

2013: Junior Season at Montverde Academy

In 2013, 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, with Montverde finishing the season with a 28–0 record and winning the High School National Tournament, Simmons earning MVP honors with 24 points and 12 rebounds.

2013: Preseason Player of the Year

In 2013, Ben Simmons was named the SEC's Preseason Player of the Year, and earned Associated Press preseason All-America team honors.

January 2015: McDonald's All-American Game Selection

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

March 2015: Awards and Honors

In March 2015, Ben Simmons received the Morgan Wootten Award, was named Naismith Prep Player of the Year, and Gatorade National Player of the Year, leading the Eagles to a 28-1 record.

2015: McDonald's All-American Game and High School Championship

In 2015, Ben Simmons competed in the McDonald's All-American Game and led Montverde Academy to a third consecutive High School National Tournament title, earning MVP honors again.

2015: Ranked #1 Player

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

January 2016: All-SEC and Freshman of the Year

In January 2016, after a win over Kentucky, Ben Simmons was dubbed the best all-round player since LeBron James. Later he was named first-team All-Southeastern Conference and the league's Freshman of the Year.

October 2017: NBA Debut

In October 2017, Ben Simmons made his NBA debut with 18 points and 10 rebounds and had a triple-double in his fourth game, joining Oscar Robertson and Art Williams as the only rookies to do so in their first four games.

October 2018: Season Opener vs. Boston Celtics and Game vs. Chicago Bulls

In October 2018, during the 76ers' season opener on October 16 against the Boston Celtics, Ben Simmons recorded 19 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists in a 105–87 loss. On October 18, he achieved a triple-double with 13 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 127–108 victory over the Chicago Bulls, marking his 13th career triple-double and making him the first Sixer to achieve 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: All-Star Appearance and Game against Brooklyn Nets

In January 2020, specifically on January 20, 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 that Simmons had been awarded with his second All-Star appearance and was drafted by Team LeBron.