The amount of time the NBA players spend on training is unbelievable. Some of them have trained since they were little boys and barely could carry the ball in their small hands. They dream about a great career in the NBA and have big expectations, but the reality is that some of them might not lift the weight of fame when they succeed. This perfectly describes Ben Simmons, a young point guard with tremendous prospects. His talent was obvious from the beginning but now, his career is on a turning point.
Ben Simmons – Early Life
Ben Simmons has been around basketball since he was a small child. He was born in Melbourne, Australia to an American father and Australian mother. His father, Dave Simmons, used to play college basketball for Oklahoma City University before he moved to Australia to play professionally for the Melbourne Tigers.
It was clear that Ben would follow in his footsteps. Ben started to play basketball when he was only seven years old! He was on Newcastle Hunters’ team for two years. From a young age, he was extremely athletic as he took up two sports at the same time, he also played in the junior rugby league.
When Ben was 10 his family moved from Newcastle back to Melbourne. Ben didn’t give up on sports and played basketball for the Knox Raiders and Australian rules football. He also represented his school in the local championships and while in 7th grade he helped them to win the Year-7 Division 1A Basketball premiership. He was named MVP for his accomplishments during the tournament.
Ben Simmons – High School Career
When he got older, he had to decide which path he would take: basketball or Australian rules football. He chose basketball and this turned out to be the right decision. In 2011 he played for the Boc Hill Senior Secondary College but he transferred to the Australian Institute of Sport, encouraged by a scholarship. While being only 15 years old, he represented Australia at the 2012 FIBA Under-17 World Championship. Around this time he also traveled to the United States for the First Time to be a prospect of the Pangos All-American Camp.
The competition in Australia wasn’t enough and Ben Simmons moved to Monteverde in Florida, where he supported the school team. He was very promising and he was invited to compete in the Jordan Brand Classic International Game. After that, he returned to Melbourne with many college scholarship offers. He picked Louisiana State University.
MVP of the National Basketball Players Association
Ben Simmons returned to Montverde Academy for his junior year in 2013–14. His team ended the season with a perfect 28-0 record. After the season, he was named America’s top high school junior and won MVP of the National Basketball Players’ Association Top 100 camp.
During his senior year, Ben Simmons was considered a five-star recruit by ESPN as he became the 2015’s number one player in the nation. He also received other honors such as being chosen as a starter for the East team in the 38th annual McDonald’s All-American Game and winning the Morgan Wootten Award, being named Naismith Prep Player of the Year, and the Gatorade National Player of the Year. He was chosen the high school league MVP and competed in the Nike Hoop Summit when he helped Team USA to win.
Ben Simmons – College Career
Simmons began his career with an international tour with the LSU Tigers. In this chance to play hoops in front of family and friends, he averaged 20 points and 9 rebounds per game. After the summer he went back to the United States and debuted with the LSU Tiger on their home ground by making a double-double.
As a freshman, Simmons scored 43 points in one game which went over the Tigers record previously held by Shaq. Unfortunately, his academic performances weren’t as good as those on the court and he had to sit out a few games. After he came back, the team was not in the best shape. The season turned out to be a huge disappointment and after that, Ben didn’t want to attend college anymore. He made himself eligible for the 2016 NBA Draft.
Ben Simmons – Philadelphia 76ers
Before the draft, Simmons was criticized for his unfriendly attitude but he was drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers anyways. He also signed Rich Paul to be his agent. He is the first player who was selected as the first pick, despite never playing in the NCAA tournament.
Simmons signed a rookie scale contract and started his NBA journey in the 2016 NBA Summer League, where it turned out that he is much more proficient in passing than shooting. He was also praised for his basketball IQ. He was named to the All-Las Vegas Summer League First Team and recorded 10.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists in six Summer League contests.
But the glory days were over when Simmons sprained his right ankle. The injury was so severe that Simmons was not to participate in the upcoming NBA season.
Ben Simmons – Rookie of the Year
The 2017-2018 season was the first time Ben Simmons joined the real big leagues as he had his NBA debut. And he gave absolutely incredible performances, scoring 10-plus points, 10-plus rebounds, and 5-plus assists in his first three games.
In his fourth game, he recorded his first triple-double. He established a new record, becoming the only player ever to start the season with over 170 points, 100 rebounds, and 80 assists. He did just that in 10 games! It is not surprising that Simmons garnered Rookie of the Month honors which included three consecutive ones.
The 76ers went to the playoff in which Simmons had an important role. Thanks to his input, the team went to the second round of the playoffs where Simmons recorded a triple-double, something that hasn’t been done since 1980. Despite that, the run for the Philadelphia 76ers ended with a loss to the Boston Celtics. Simmons was elected Rookie of the Year and became part of the NBA’s All-Rookie first team.
Ben Simmons – All-Star
Before the 2018-19 season, Ben Simmons worked hard to improve his shooting. He also did strength training and when the season started, he was on fire, reaching 2000 points, 1000 rebounds, and 1000 assists so fast that only Oscar Robertson was faster. As the first Australian in NBA history, he was chosen to the Eastern Conference reserve of the All-Star Team. The 76ers went into the playoffs again.
The next season was also full of victories for Simmons. He recorded multiple triple-doubles and scored his career-high 34 points which awarded him his second All-Star Team honors.
Ben Simmons – Injuries
On February 22th, 2020, Ben Simmons suddenly had to sit out the rest of the game and left the game in the first quarter. The supposed back injury turned out to be a result of nerve damage and Ben had to sit out the following games. Then the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak closed down the whole NBA. When the situation was a little bit more composed, Simmons regained his health and participated in the rest of the tournament.
Simmons was the leader in steals at the conclusion of the season and was named to the All-NBA Third Team and NBA All-Defensive First team.
2020-21 meant new career highs, as Simmons recorded 42 points and 12 assists. It was also a time of heavy media coverage on Simmons. He joined Wilt Chamberlain and Shaquille O’Neal in the infamous club of the worst free-throw shooters. It crushed his confidence and he was criticized for slugging on the offense.
Ben Simmons – Mental Health Assistance
The next season, Simmons announced that he wishes to be transferred to another team. He protested by throwing games, especially not scoring. The team officials didn’t agree on his trade demands. Head coach Doc Rivers said in an interview that he doesn’t know what to think about it. His behavior was very disrespectful and he went as far as missing training camp which led the sixers’ officials to withhold the payments and fine Simmons.
He went back after missing preseason games and team practices but his attitude didn’t change. As the penalties were growing, Simmons told the officials that he required mental health assistance. He excused his absence of mental health issues but he didn’t provide any proof that he is actually going through treatment. The fines stopped for a while but this excuse wasn’t enough as he didn’t return to play. He started to be fined again due to his contractual obligations.
On the other hand, Simmons’ agent says that such negative publicity shined on the player can increase the mental health concerns. Maybe after some time, Ben will be mentally ready to play. The president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey, believes that Simmons is crucial for the team if they want to win, so he could come back sooner than we think.
How much of Ben Simmons contract is guaranteed?
It was $177,243,360 guaranteed at signing.
