Jul 20, 1996
Cancer
Melbourne, Australia
28 years old
N/A
N/A
Basketball Player
Ben Simmons: From Melbourne Prodigy to NBA All-Star
Early Life and Background
Ben Simmons was born on July 20, 1996, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. His father, Dave Simmons, is an American-born former professional basketball player who competed in Australia's National Basketball League (NBL), and his mother, Julie, is Australian. The family moved to Newcastle, New South Wales, when Ben was 18 months old, where he began playing basketball at the age of seven with the Newcastle Hunters' under-12 team. At age 10, the family returned to Melbourne, and Ben continued his basketball development with the Knox Raiders. He also played Australian rules football and rugby league during his youth, showcasing his athletic versatility.
In 2013, Simmons moved to the United States to attend Montverde Academy in Florida, a school renowned for its elite basketball program. There, he led the team to three consecutive High School National Tournament titles and was named the Naismith Prep Player of the Year in 2015.
College Career at LSU
Simmons committed to Louisiana State University (LSU) for the 2015–16 season. During his freshman year, he averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. Despite his individual success, LSU did not qualify for the NCAA Tournament, and Simmons declared for the NBA Draft after one collegiate season.
NBA Career
Selected as the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, Simmons missed his entire rookie season due to a foot injury. He debuted in the 2017–18 season, earning NBA Rookie of the Year honors with averages of 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. Over the next three seasons, Simmons was named an NBA All-Star (2019–2021) and selected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2020 and 2021.
However, his tenure with the 76ers ended contentiously after the 2021 playoffs, where he faced criticism for his performance. Simmons subsequently requested a trade and sat out the start of the 2021–22 season, citing mental health concerns.
In February 2022, Simmons was traded to the Brooklyn Nets. He made his debut for the team in the 2022–23 season but was limited by injuries, including a nerve impingement in his back that required surgery. Over three seasons with the Nets, Simmons played in 90 games, averaging 6.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game.
In early 2025, the Brooklyn Nets and Simmons agreed to a contract buyout. Shortly thereafter, he signed with the Los Angeles Clippers. As of the 2024–25 season, Simmons is contributing to the Clippers as a versatile point guard, bringing his playmaking and defensive skills to the team.
Career Statistics and Achievements
Over his NBA career, Simmons has played in 383 regular-season games, averaging 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game. His accolades include:
NBA Rookie of the Year (2018)
3× NBA All-Star (2019–2021)
2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2020, 2021)
All-NBA Third Team (2020)
Personal Life and Off-Court Activities
Beyond basketball, Simmons has been involved in various business ventures, including investments in esports organization FaZe Clan and a partnership with Australian wine brand Penfolds. He is also known for his fashion sense and has been featured in several lifestyle publications.
Simmons has represented Australia in international competition, playing for the national team in the 2012 FIBA Under-17 World Championship, where Australia won the silver medal.
Conclusion
Ben Simmons' journey from Melbourne to the NBA highlights his exceptional talent and versatility on the basketball court. Despite facing challenges, including injuries and public scrutiny, he has established himself as a formidable defender and playmaker in the league. As he continues his career with the Los Angeles Clippers, fans and analysts alike watch with interest to see how he will contribute to his new team and further define his legacy in professional basketball.
