10
Nov
4 min read
Aussies in the NBA: Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets poses for photos during NBA Media Day at Brooklyn Nets HSS Training Center on September 30, 2024 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Photo: Michelle Farsi/Getty Images
Ben Simmons plays for the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA
- NBA Rookie of the Year in 2018
- 3-time NBA All-Star (2019-2021)
- NBA steals leader and All-Defensive First Team selection in 2020
Ben Simmons is an Australian NBA player known for his unique combination of size, athleticism and playmaking ability as a 6'10" point guard. Despite early success, his career has been marked by controversy and setbacks.
Key Details
Name: Ben Simmons
Age: 28
Team(s): Brooklyn Nets (2022-present), Philadelphia 76ers (2016-2022)
Position: Point guard / Power forward
Size: 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
Weight: 240 lb (109 kg)
Ben Simmons possesses a rare combination of size, speed, and court vision that allows him to excel as a playmaker despite his unconventional stature for a point guard. At 6'10", Simmons leverages his height advantage to see over defenders and make precise passes in transition and half-court settings. His athleticism and strength enable him to be a force in transition, often grabbing defensive rebounds and leading fast breaks himself.
Simmons' ability to defend multiple positions is another key aspect of his game. His length, quickness, and instincts make him a versatile defender capable of guarding positions 1 through 4 effectively. This defensive prowess is evidenced by his selection to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2020.
However, Simmons' most glaring weakness is his lack of outside shooting. He has been reluctant to attempt jump shots, especially from three-point range, which allows defenders to sag off him and clog driving lanes. This limitation has become increasingly problematic in playoff situations, where his hesitancy to shoot has at times hampered his team's offensive flow.
Career
Ben Simmons was selected first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016 NBA draft. After missing his first season due to injury, he made an immediate impact in 2017-18, winning Rookie of the Year and helping lead the 76ers to the playoffs. Simmons quickly established himself as one of the league's premier young talents, earning All-Star selections in 2019, 2020, and 2021.
Despite his individual accolades, Simmons faced criticism for his lack of shooting and perceived passivity in crucial playoff moments. This came to a head following the 76ers' playoff exit in 2021, where Simmons' offensive struggles were particularly pronounced. The fallout led to a contentious holdout from the team in the 2021-22 season, citing mental health concerns.
In February 2022, Simmons was traded to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a blockbuster deal involving James Harden. However, back issues prevented him from playing for the remainder of that season. His return to the court with Brooklyn in 2022-23 was marked by inconsistent play and further injury setbacks, raising questions about his long-term outlook.
Internationally, Simmons has represented Australia in junior competitions, winning silver at the 2012 FIBA Under-17 World Championship. Despite expressing interest in playing for the senior national team on multiple occasions, he has yet to compete for Australia in major tournaments like the Olympics or FIBA World Cup.
Five Fast Facts
- First overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft
- Youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double
- Won NBA Rookie of the Year despite missing his first season due to injury
- Holds the record for most fines in NBA history due to his 2021-22 holdout
- Son of American-born professional basketball player Dave Simmons, who played in Australia
Career Highlights Timeline
2016: Selected first overall in the NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers
2018: Named NBA Rookie of the Year
2019: First NBA All-Star selection
2020: Named to All-NBA Third Team and NBA All-Defensive First Team
2021: Struggles in playoffs lead to tension with 76ers
2022: Traded to Brooklyn Nets; misses entire season due to back injury
2023: Returns to play for Nets, but continues to face injury issues
Ben Simmons' NBA career has been a tale of immense potential and frustrating setbacks. His unique skill set as a 6'10" playmaker with elite defensive versatility made him one of the league's most intriguing young stars early in his career. However, his well-documented shooting struggles, particularly in high-pressure playoff situations, have overshadowed many of his accomplishments.
The tumultuous end to his tenure in Philadelphia and subsequent challenges in Brooklyn have raised serious questions about Simmons' future in the NBA. His ability to stay healthy and adapt his game will be crucial in determining whether he can recapture the promise of his early career and establish himself as a cornerstone player once again.
As Simmons enters his late 20s, the basketball world watches with interest to see if he can overcome the physical and mental hurdles that have derailed his progress. His journey serves as a reminder of the complexities of player development and the importance of mental resilience in professional sports.
