Who is Ben Simmons?
Rapp, Timothy (25 October 2021). “Ben Simmons Rumors: 76ers Have Stopped Fining Star for Missing Practices, Games”. Retrieved 15 February 2022 – via Twitter. Grasso, Justin (16 November 2021). “Sixers Reportedly Resume Fines for Ben Simmons After Missing Road Trip”. Charania, Shams (10 January 2022). “Update on Ben Simmons trade talks, frustrated Hawks star John Collins a possible match? NBA news and notes”. Connell, Jack (19 October 2021). “FINE UPDATE: BEN SIMMONS FINED $1.4 MILLION BY 76ERS, MOST IN NBA HISTORY”.
Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown, former Australian national team coach and a friend of the Simmons family, repudiated the claims being made and was content with Simmons’ pre-draft behaviour. While he shot the ball poorly during his first three Summer League games, Simmons was praised for his court awareness and passing ability for a big man. On 3 July 2016, Simmons signed his rookie scale contract with the 76ers and joined the team for the 2016 NBA Summer League. He was also the first college player in the modern era to be selected with the first overall pick despite never playing in the NCAA tournament.
Dorcey, David (21 December 2014). “City of Palms Classic: Ben Simmons, Harry Giles score big in quarterfinals”. USA Today High School Sports. Borzello, Jeff (28 January 2015). “East, West rosters unveiled”. Halley, Jim (19 January 2015). “Ben Simmons’ ‘subpar’ game leads Montverde Past Bishop Gorman at Hoophall”. Biancardi, Paul (10 March 2015). “Ben Simmons wins Wootten Award”. Adaimy, Roje (29 January 2015). “All-American honour for Australian Boomers young gun Ben Simmons”. Konecky, Chad (24 March 2015). “Ben Simmons wins Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year”. Borzello, Jeff (12 March 2015). “Ben Simmons wins Naismith Trophy”.
Summer League games, he averaged 10.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. Some pundits doubted his strength, fitness, and scoring prowess after a full season on the sidelines, with only an outside chance for Rookie of the Year. In his NBA debut on 18 October 2017, Simmons had 18 points and 10 rebounds in a 120-115 season-opening loss to the Washington Wizards. On 24 February 2017, he was ruled out for the entire 2016-17 NBA season after tests revealed that his broken right foot had not fully healed. On 30 September 2016, Simmons rolled his right ankle during the 76ers’ final training camp scrimmage.
On 13 November 2015, Simmons made his college debut in LSU’s season opener, recording a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds as a starter in a win over McNeese State. On 2 December, he helped LSU break a three-game losing streak by recording 43 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 steals, and 3 blocks in a 119-108 win over North Florida. He helped LSU start the season 3-0 before recording 21 points, 20 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals in a loss to Marquette on 23 November.
