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 drafted first overall in 2016 by the Philadelphia 76ers. After a single season at LSU, where he earned All-American honors, Simmons sat out his initial NBA season due to injury, later winning Rookie of the Year in 2018. A three-time NBA All-Star with Philadelphia, a holdout and subsequent trade sent him to the Brooklyn Nets. Following a buyout from the Nets in February 2025, Simmons signed with 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 had a record.

1967: Art Williams' Record

In 1967, Art Williams had a record.

December 1991: Shaquille O'Neal's Scoring Record

On 28 December 1991, Shaquille O'Neal scored 43 points against Northern Arizona.

April 2013: Won High School National Tournament

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

2013: Junior season at Montverde Academy

During the 2013–14 season, Ben Simmons averaged 18.5 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game for Montverde Academy and won the High School National Tournament, earning MVP honors.

2013: Preseason Player of the Year

In 2013, Simmons was named the SEC's Preseason Player of the Year.

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 McDonald's All-American Game.

March 2015: Won multiple awards

In March 2015, Ben Simmons won the Morgan Wootten Award, Naismith Prep Player of the Year, and Gatorade National Player of the Year.

2015: Won third consecutive High School National Tournament title

In 2015, Ben Simmons led Montverde Academy to a third consecutive High School National Tournament title and competed in the Nike Hoop Summit.

2015: Ranked as No. 1 player

In 2015, Ben Simmons was ranked as the No. 1 power forward and the No. 1 player in the nation by ESPN.com.

January 2016: Dubbed best all-round player since LeBron James

In January 2016, Ben Simmons was dubbed the best all-round player since LeBron James by Magic Johnson; later that month, he was benched for a game due to academic reasons.

June 2016: Signed endorsement deal with Nike

On June 7, 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, achieved several milestones in his first few games, and became the only player in NBA history to begin a season with at least 170 points, 100 rebounds, and 80 assists in his team's first 10 games.

October 2018: 76ers Season Opener and Triple-Double

In October 2018, during the 76ers' season opener on October 16, Simmons recorded 19 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists in a loss to the Boston Celtics. On October 18, he achieved a triple-double with 13 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists in a win over the Chicago Bulls, becoming the first Sixer to ever get one in a home opener.

2018: Named NBA Rookie of the Year

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

January 2020: All-Star Appearance and Game Performance

In January 2020, Simmons scored 34 points against the Brooklyn Nets and was selected for his second All-Star appearance. On January 30, 2020, he was drafted by Team LeBron and scored 17 points, 5 assists, and 6 rebounds in a Team LeBron win.

2020: NBA Steals Leader and All-NBA Recognition

At the end of the 2020 season, Simmons was recognized as the 2020 NBA steals leader, was named to the All-NBA Third Team and the NBA All-Defensive First team.

February 2021: Career-High 42 Points

On February 15, 2021, Simmons recorded a double-double with a career-high 42 points and 12 assists in a loss to the Utah Jazz.

January 2023: Season-High 13 Assists

On January 12, 2023, Simmons dished out a season-high 13 assists in a loss to the Boston Celtics. On January 17, Simmons recorded his first triple-double as a Net, logging ten points, ten rebounds and eleven assists in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs.