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. He played college basketball at LSU, earning All-American honors. Drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016, he missed his first season due to injury but was named Rookie of the Year in 2018. Simmons is a three-time NBA All-Star. A holdout from the 76ers following the 2020-21 season resulted in a trade to the Brooklyn Nets and significant fines, making him the most-fined player in NBA history.

Sections (5)

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

1960: Oscar Robertson's Rookie Triple-Doubles

In 1960, Oscar Robertson set the standard for rookie triple-doubles, a mark Simmons would later chase.

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.

1980: Magic Johnson's Playoff Triple-Double

In 1980, Magic Johnson became the first rookie since with a playoff triple-double, a milestone that Simmons later matched.

2001: 76ers best regular season record since 2001

In 2001, The 76ers finished the regular season with a 16th straight win to earn the Eastern Conference's No. 3 seed in the playoffs. Their record of 52–30 set the best team mark since 2001.

2012: FIBA Under-17 World Championship

In 2012, at age 15, Ben Simmons represented Australia at the FIBA Under-17 World Championship, contributing to the team's silver medal win.

April 2013: High School National Tournament Victory

In April 2013, Ben Simmons helped Montverde Academy rally to beat St Benedict's in the final of the High School National Tournament.

2013: Preseason Honors

In 2013, Before his freshman year of college, Ben Simmons was featured on the Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook cover and named SEC's Preseason Player of the Year and 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, contributing to the team's gold medal win.

2013: Junior Season at Montverde Academy

In 2013, during his junior season, Ben Simmons averaged 18.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, leading Montverde Academy to a 28-0 record and a High School National Tournament victory over Oak Hill Academy. He earned MVP honors.

January 2015: McDonald's All-American Selection

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

March 2015: Awards and Recognition

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

2015: High School National Tournament Title and Nike Hoop Summit

In 2015, Ben Simmons led Montverde Academy to a third consecutive High School National Tournament title, earning MVP honors. He also competed in the Nike Hoop Summit for the World Team, scoring 13 points in a win over Team USA.

2015: Ranked #1 Player Nationally

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: Comparisons to LeBron James and Bench Due to Academics

In January 2016, Ben Simmons was compared to LeBron James by Magic Johnson and was later benched for a game against Tennessee due to academic reasons. He was named first-team All-Southeastern Conference and the league's Freshman of the Year.

June 2016: Signed endorsement deal with Nike

On 7 June 2016, Ben Simmons signed an endorsement deal with Nike.

October 2017: NBA Debut and Early Records

In October 2017, Ben Simmons made his NBA debut, recording 18 points and 10 rebounds. He joined Oscar Robertson as the only players to post 10-plus points, 10-plus rebounds, and 5-plus assists in their first three NBA games. He recorded his first career triple-double in his fourth game, becoming the third rookie to do so in his first four games, after Robertson (1960) and Art Williams (1967).

2018: NBA Rookie of the Year

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

January 2020: Simmons Scores 34 Points Against Nets, All-Star Selection

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, he was awarded his second All-Star appearance.