Ben Simmons, an Australian professional basketball player, was born on July 20th, 1996. He currently plays for the Brooklyn Nets in the National Basketball Association (NBA). After playing college basketball for the LSU Tigers for one year, where he was awarded consensus first-team All-American honors and named the USBWA National Freshman of the Year, he was selected as the first overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016 NBA draft.
In 2018, Simmons was named the NBA Rookie of the Year after returning from a one-year sideline due to a right foot injury. He has also been selected three times to the NBA All-Star Game. However, after the 2020-21 season, Simmons held out from the 76ers and was eventually traded to the Nets. This holdout resulted in him becoming the most fined player in NBA history. Despite this setback, Simmons remains a prominent figure in the league and is considered a valuable asset to his team.
Get the latest on Ben Simmons, including his stats, trade history, contract details, news updates, season stats, net worth, injury status, and relationship with girlfriend Maya Jama. Stay up-to-date on the NBA star’s performance and whether he’ll be playing tonight.
Table of Contents
Bio/Wiki Table
Name | Ben Simmons |
---|---|
Full Name | Benjamin David Simmons |
Nickname | Fresh Prince |
Birth Date | July 20, 1996 |
Age | 26 |
Birthplace | Melbourne, Australia |
Nationality | Australian |
Height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
Weight | 240 lb (109 kg) |
High School | Montverde Academy (Montverde, Florida) |
College | Louisiana State University (LSU) |
Position | Point Guard/Power Forward |
NBA Draft | 2016, Round 1, Pick 1 (Philadelphia 76ers) |
NBA Debut | October 18, 2017 (Philadelphia 76ers) |
Current Team | Brooklyn Nets |
Jersey Number | 25 |
Honors/Achievements | NBA All-Rookie First Team (2018) |
3× NBA All-Star (2019–2021) | |
NBA steals leader (2020) |
Early Life
Ben Simmons, born in Melbourne, Australia in 1996, is the son of former professional basketball player and coach, Dave Simmons. He attended Hunter Sports High School in Newcastle before moving to the US to attend Montverde Academy in Florida. He played high school basketball for three years and was recognized as one of the top high school basketball players in the country. Simmons then played college basketball for one season with the LSU Tigers, leading the team to an NCAA tournament appearance and earning consensus first-team All-American and USBWA National Freshman of the Year honors.
Ben Simmons Parents
Ben Simmons was born to Australian parents, Julie and Dave Simmons. Julie, a native of Newcastle, New South Wales, and Dave, an American-born former professional basketball player, who played for the Melbourne Tigers in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL).
In the 1980s, Dave Simmons moved to Australia to play professional basketball where he met Julie. They got married and settled in Australia, where they raised their two children, Ben and his sister Olivia.
Both of Simmons’ parents have a deep connection to basketball. His father played professionally and later became a coach, while his mother played basketball at the collegiate level in the United States. Growing up in a basketball family, Ben Simmons was introduced to the sport at an early age and developed a natural talent and passion for the game.
Today, Julie and Dave Simmons remain a significant part of their son’s life and have supported him throughout his basketball career, cheering him on from the sidelines, and celebrating his numerous achievements.
Ben Simmons Nationality & Ethnicity
Ben Simmons is an Australian by nationality and holds an Australian passport. He was born in Melbourne, Australia, and spent most of his childhood in Newcastle, New South Wales. Simmons comes from a mixed heritage as his father, Dave Simmons, is American, and his mother, Julie, is Australian.
Simmons’ ethnicity has been a topic of discussion due to his mixed-race background. His father, Dave Simmons, is African American, while his mother, Julie, is of Caucasian descent. As a person of mixed heritage, Simmons has spoken openly about the challenges he faced, including experiencing racism and prejudice growing up. He has also used his position as a prominent athlete to raise awareness about racial injustice and advocate for social change.
Despite facing challenges related to his ethnicity, Ben Simmons is proud of his heritage and embraces both sides of his identity. He has become a role model for young people of mixed race, inspiring them to embrace their cultural roots and use their voice to make a positive impact in the world.
Ben Simmons Age
Ben Simmons was born on July 20, 1996, in Melbourne, Australia. As of 2023, he is currently 26 years old. Despite his young age, Simmons has already made a significant impact in the NBA and is considered one of the league’s top players.
Simmons began his basketball career at a young age, showing a natural talent for the sport and playing for various local teams in his hometown of Newcastle, New South Wales. He then moved to the United States in 2011 to attend Montverde Academy in Florida, where he played high school basketball for three years and established himself as one of the top high school basketball players in the country.
After graduating from Montverde, Simmons played college basketball for one season with the LSU Tigers before declaring for the 2016 NBA Draft, where he was selected as the first overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers. At just 19 years old, he made his NBA debut in October 2017 and has since established himself as one of the league’s top young stars. Despite being only 26 years old, Simmons has already earned numerous accolades and awards, including multiple All-Star selections, All-NBA team honors, and the NBA Rookie of the Year Award in 2018.
Ben Simmons Height
Ben Simmons is known for his imposing physical presence on the basketball court, thanks in part to his impressive height. Standing tall at 6 feet 11 inches (211 cm), Simmons is one of the tallest players in the league, and his height gives him a significant advantage in many aspects of the game.
Simmons’ height enables him to dominate on the boards, both offensively and defensively, as he can easily reach up and snatch rebounds over his opponents. Additionally, his height allows him to see over defenders and make passes that many other players would not be able to, leading to easy scoring opportunities for his teammates.
However, Simmons’ height is not just an advantage on the court. Off the court, he has also used his height to his advantage in various endorsement deals and advertisements. For example, Simmons has appeared in advertisements for luxury car companies, where his height allows him to easily fit into even the largest vehicles.
Overall, Simmons’ height is a key part of his basketball skills and has helped him become a dominant force on the court.
High School Career
In January 2013, Ben Simmons moved to the U.S. and joined Montverde Academy in Florida, where he immediately began playing basketball. He helped Montverde win the High School National Tournament before returning to Australia and playing for the Bulleen Boomers. After six games, he committed to Louisiana State University over other top basketball programs.
During his junior year, Ben Simmons returned to Montverde Academy and had a standout season, averaging 18.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game with impressive shooting percentages. Montverde finished the season with a perfect record of 28-0 and won the High School National Tournament, with Simmons being named as MVP. He also earned the title of America’s top high school junior and was voted MVP at the National Basketball Players’ Association Top 100 camp.
Ben Simmons signed a National Letter of Intent to play for Louisiana State University (LSU) in November 2014. During his senior year of high school, he scored 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game, put up 37 points and 18 rebounds in another, and scored 36 points and 9 rebounds in a win.
He was named a starter for the East team in the 2015 McDonald’s All-American Game, and then won several awards, including the Naismith Prep Player of the Year and Gatorade National Player of the Year, after leading Montverde Academy to a 28-1 record and third consecutive High School National Tournament title. Simmons was also considered the No. 1 power forward and player in the nation in 2015 by ESPN.com.
College Career
Ben Simmons played college basketball for Louisiana State University (LSU) in the 2015-16 season. In his freshman year, he set numerous records and earned multiple accolades, including being named a consensus first-team All-American and the SEC Freshman of the Year.
Simmons’ season at LSU was notable for his high-level play and statistical output. He averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 2.0 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 56% from the field. Despite Simmons’ individual success, LSU struggled as a team and failed to make the NCAA Tournament.
After one season at LSU, Simmons announced that he would enter the 2016 NBA draft. He was widely projected to be one of the top picks in the draft, and ultimately was selected first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite his short college career, Simmons remains one of the most highly-regarded players in recent NCAA history.
Professional Career
Philadelphia 76ers (2016–2022)
2016–17 season: Draft year injury
Prior to the 2016 NBA draft, there were concerns about Ben Simmons’ attitude and character, which were addressed by Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown, a friend of the Simmons family. Despite the negative reports, he was chosen as the first overall pick by the 76ers on June 23, 2016, becoming the third Melbourne-born player to be selected as the top pick in 11 years. Simmons made history by being the first college player to be selected as the number one overall pick despite never playing in the NCAA tournament.
After signing his rookie scale contract on July 3, 2016, Simmons participated in the 2016 NBA Summer League where he was praised for his court awareness and passing ability. He was named to the All-Las Vegas Summer League First Team and averaged 10.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists in six games.
However, he suffered a setback during the final training camp scrimmage when he rolled his right ankle, which led to the discovery of a fractured fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot. As a result, Simmons missed the entire 2016-17 NBA season.
2017–18 season: Rookie of the Year
In his 2017-18 NBA rookie season, Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers overcame doubts about his abilities after a year on the sidelines to become the only player in NBA history to start the season with at least 170 points, 100 rebounds, and 80 assists in his team’s first 10 games. He recorded 12 triple-doubles, the second most by a rookie in NBA history, and helped the 76ers earn a 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Simmons was named the NBA Rookie of the Year and earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors.
2018–19 season: First All-Star selection
During the 2018-19 season, Simmons was selected to his first All-Star game, averaging 16.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game. He helped lead the 76ers to the playoffs, where they made it to the second round before being eliminated by the Toronto Raptors in a dramatic Game 7.
In the 2019-20 season, Ben Simmons earned his first All-NBA and All-Defensive selections, helping the Philadelphia 76ers to a sixth seed in the playoffs. He averaged 16.4 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists per game while also being named a finalist for NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
2020–21 season: Playoff disappointment
During the 2020-21 season, Ben Simmons played well for the Philadelphia 76ers, helping them earn the top seed in the Eastern Conference. However, in the playoffs, the team was upset in the second round by the Atlanta Hawks in seven games. Simmons struggled with his free-throw shooting and was criticized for his lack of aggression on offense.
2021–22 season: 76ers holdout
Ben Simmons, a professional basketball player, did not play for the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2021-22 NBA season due to a holdout. Simmons requested a trade from the team during the off-season and did not attend training camp or play in any games. The 76ers ultimately were unable to find a trade partner and Simmons remained with the team, but did not play. The situation drew significant media attention and became a major storyline throughout the season.
Brooklyn Nets (2022–present)
In February 2022, Simmons was traded to the Brooklyn Nets but was later diagnosed with a herniated disk in his back, which forced him to be out for the rest of the regular season and playoffs. Despite planning to debut in the playoffs, he was ultimately unable to play due to back soreness, and the Nets were eliminated from the playoffs. He underwent back surgery in May.
Simmons made his Nets debut in October with four points, five rebounds, and five assists. He recorded a season-high 13 rebounds and 15 points in a win over the Portland Trail Blazers, and scored a season-high 22 points in a win over the Memphis Grizzlies. In January, he dished out a season-high 13 assists in a loss to the Boston Celtics, and recorded his first triple-double as a Net with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
However, Simmons suffered from injuries, including left knee soreness and inflammation in his back, leading to a nerve impingement diagnosis and his shutdown for the rest of the season in late March. This season marked career low averages in minutes, points, rebounds, assists, and free throw percentage for Simmons.
National Team Career
Simmons helped Australia win silver at the 2012 FIBA Under-17 World Championship and earned a gold medal in the 2013 FIBA Oceania Championship. He was part of the extended squad for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup but was later cut. Simmons confirmed he would represent Australia at the 2019 FIBA World Cup but withdrew from the national team in 2019. He intended to compete in the 2020 Summer Olympics but withdrew to focus on improving his shooting skills for the 2021–22 NBA season.
Career Stats
Ben Simmons is a talented basketball player who has made a name for himself in both the college and professional leagues. Over the course of his career, Simmons has compiled impressive statistics across a range of categories, including points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. His all-around skill set has made him a valuable player on the court, and he has become a fan favorite for his dynamic style of play.
In this table, we will take a closer look at Ben Simmons’ career stats, broken down by year and team, to get a better understanding of his impact on the game.
Year | Team | GP | Min | Pts | FG% | 3pt% | Reb | Ast | Stl | Blk |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022-23 | Nets | 42 | 26.3 | 6.9 | 56.6 | 0.0 | 6.3 | 6.1 | 1.3 | 0.6 |
2020-21 | 76ers | 58 | 32.4 | 14.3 | 55.7 | 30.0 | 7.2 | 6.9 | 1.6 | 0.6 |
2019-20 | 76ers | 57 | 35.4 | 16.4 | 58.0 | 28.6 | 7.8 | 8.0 | 2.1 | 0.6 |
2018-19 | 76ers | 79 | 34.2 | 16.9 | 56.3 | 0.0 | 8.8 | 7.7 | 1.4 | 0.8 |
2017-18 | 76ers | 81 | 33.7 | 15.8 | 54.5 | 0.0 | 8.1 | 8.2 | 1.7 | 0.9 |
Career | – | 317 | 32.9 | 14.7 | 56.0 | 13.9 | 7.8 | 7.5 | 1.6 | 0.7 |
Ben Simmons Trade
The 2022-2023 NBA season brought a lot of changes. But one of the most significant was the blockbuster trade between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets. The trade sent former number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons from Philadelphia to Brooklyn, along with Andre Drummond, Seth Curry, and two future first-round picks, in exchange for James Harden and Paul Millsap.
The trade was a significant move for both teams. For the 76ers, it was an opportunity to add a superstar player in Harden to complement their existing core of Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris. For the Nets, it was a chance to acquire a versatile player in Simmons who could fill multiple positions on the court and bring a much-needed defensive presence to the team.
Simmons, who had spent his entire career up to that point with the 76ers, was a polarizing player. He was known for his size, speed, and athleticism. But also for his struggles with shooting and his reluctance to shoot from beyond the paint. Despite these limitations, Simmons was still considered one of the top players in the league, thanks to his excellent ballhandling skills, court vision, and defensive abilities.
The trade to the Nets was seen as an opportunity for Simmons to grow as a player, surrounded by a talented and experienced roster that included Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. It was also an opportunity for Simmons to put his struggles behind him and prove himself as a valuable player in the league. However, as the season progressed, Simmons faced a series of injuries and setbacks that would ultimately limit his playing time and leave his future with the Nets uncertain.
Ben Simmons Contract & Salary
Ben Simmons signed a five-year, $177.2 million maximum contract extension with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019. This made him one of the highest-paid players in the NBA. The contract was set to run through the 2024-25 season, with Simmons set to earn $33 million in the final year.
However, after a disappointing 2020-21 season and a highly publicized playoff meltdown, rumors began to swirl that Simmons was on the trading block. Despite the trade talks, Simmons reported to training camp with the 76ers for the 2021-22 season. However, he was quickly sent home by the team after refusing to participate in team activities.
In February 2022, Simmons was traded to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a multi-player deal that included James Harden. Simmons’ contract remained intact, with the Nets assuming his remaining salary. The move was seen as a high-risk, high-reward gamble for the Nets, as Simmons was coming off a poor season and faced questions about his fit on a team with established stars like Kevin Durant and Harden.
The Nets had hoped that Simmons could provide a versatile and dynamic presence on both ends of the floor, with his size and athleticism making him a potential matchup nightmare for opposing teams. However, injuries and inconsistent play limited his impact on the court, and his future with the team remains uncertain. Regardless of how things play out, Simmons’ contract will remain one of the most expensive in the league, with the Nets paying him a base salary of over $33 million for the 2022-23 season.
Ben Simmons Net Worth
As of 2023, Ben Simmons’ net worth is estimated to be approximately USD 8 million, primarily earned through his successful basketball career. He has also benefited from endorsement deals and wise business investments, adding to his fortune.
Simmons began his NBA journey in 2016 and quickly gained recognition as a talented player. Hailing from a family of athletes, basketball has always been a significant part of his life. Following his college basketball career, Simmons was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016, where he signed his first professional contract. After spending five years with the 76ers, Simmons was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2022, under a new contract.
Despite being only 26 years old, Simmons has already achieved a great deal in his basketball career and has a long way to go.
Injury
Ben Simmons, the Australian professional basketball player for the Brooklyn Nets, has been dealing with injuries throughout the 2022-23 season. On March 28, 2023, it was announced that Simmons would be out for the rest of the season due to a nerve impingement in his back. This news came as a blow to the Nets, who were hoping to have him back for the playoffs.
Simmons had missed several games during the season due to ongoing left knee soreness, which had led to him receiving a PRP injection and having his knee drained in February 2023. He had also undergone an MRI that found inflammation in his back in early March. Simmons had progressed to doing on-court work by mid-March, but unfortunately, the nerve impingement diagnosis meant that he would need to be shut down for the remainder of the season.
This season had already seen career-low averages in minutes, points, rebounds, assists, and free throw percentage for Simmons, which was a major disappointment for both him and the Nets. Despite this setback, Simmons remains a valuable player for the team. It is hoped that he will make a full recovery in time for the 2023-24 season. The Nets will undoubtedly be looking forward to having him back on the court as they continue their pursuit of an NBA championship.
Ben Simmons Dating History
Ben Simmons is a professional basketball player who has been in the public eye for several years. While his career on the court has been impressive, many fans are also interested in his personal life, including his dating history. Here is a look at some of the notable women who have been linked to Simmons over the years
Dylan Gonzalez
In June 2017, rumors started circulating that Ben Simmons was in a relationship with Dylan Gonzalez, a former women’s basketball player. There is not much information available about their relationship, but both shared a common bond as professional basketball players.
Their relationship ended around November 2017, and since then, there have been no further reports of the two being together.
Dylan Gonzalez is an artist, athlete, and activist, as per her Instagram, which has over 1.3 million followers. She is also a Fashion Nova ambassador and the founder of Flex City Fashion Jam, in addition to being the CEO of The Peace Train Foundation.
Tinashe
Simmons and Tinashe started dating in February 2018 and made it official in March. However, rumors of Simmons dating supermodel Kendall Jenner emerged in May 2018, leading to speculation about infidelity.
It’s unclear if Simmons was unfaithful or if he and Tinashe had already broken up. The relationship between Simmons and Tinashe officially ended in May 2018.
Kendall Jenner
Kendall and Ben confirmed their relationship in May 2018 and were photographed multiple times in public. In July 2018, pictures emerged of them together, cementing their relationship status.
Their relationship was a mix of serious and casual, with the couple traveling together but claiming to be just friends. However, in September 2018, Kendall was spotted kissing Anwar Hadid, which seemed to end things with Simmons.
But in November of the same year, the couple reconciled and Kendall started attending his NBA games with his mother. They continued their casual relationship until May 2019, and then briefly reunited in January 2020.
However, their relationship once again came to an end in April 2020, and since then, there have been no reports of them reconciling.
Maya Jama
Ben Simmons was first linked to TV presenter Maya Jama in 2019, but it wasn’t until 2021 that rumors of their relationship gained traction. Maya posted a photo of herself wearing red basketball shorts that reportedly belonged to Simmons on her Instagram page in May 2021. The picture was taken in the basketball player’s house.
Simmons responded to the post with a heart emoji, and Maya reciprocated with another heart. In June, Simmons shared screenshots of their FaceTime conversation. They were then spotted kissing at the Wimbledon Tournament in July 2021.
On Simmons’ birthday on July 20, 2021, Maya shared a series of photos and videos of them hugging and kissing, along with a mariachi band hired to celebrate the occasion. The relationship became official on Maya’s Instagram page. However, the couple broke up in August 2022.
Eiza Gonzalez
According to the Daily Mail, Ben Simmons was spotted having dinner with Eiza Gonzalez in New York City on February 3, 2023, sparking dating rumors.
The couple walked together and appeared to be enjoying each other’s company, although neither has officially confirmed their relationship.
Eiza Gonzalez is a 33-year-old Mexican actress and singer, recognized for her breakthrough role in the telenovela, Lola.
Before being linked to Simmons, Gonzalez was rumored to have been in a relationship with Aquaman star, Jason Momoa.
Ben Simmons Girlfriend
Ben Simmons, the Australian basketball player, has had a few high-profile relationships in the past. However, the current status of his love life is unknown. Simmons is a very private person when it comes to his personal life, and he prefers to keep his relationships out of the public eye.
One of Ben Simmons’ most notable relationships was with American TV presenter Maya Jama. The two were rumored to be dating in 2019, but it was not until 2021 that they began teasing their relationship via social media. Simmons and Jama were spotted together at the Wimbledon Tournament in July 2021, and Maya made their relationship Instagram official on Ben’s birthday, July 20, 2021, with a series of photos and videos featuring the two lovebirds hugging and kissing.
Before Maya, Simmons was linked to supermodel Kendall Jenner in 2018. The couple kept their relationship mostly private but were seen together in public multiple times. They traveled on vacations together and attended each other’s games. The two remained casually together until around May 2019 and then weren’t seen together again until January 2020. However, by April 2020, the couple had once again split.
Simmons has also been linked to Mexican actress and singer Eiza Gonzalez. The two were spotted enjoying dinner with friends in New York City in February 2023, but neither of them has confirmed their relationship status. Eiza has previously been linked to Aquaman star, Jason Momoa.
Social Media
As a professional basketball player and celebrity, Ben Simmons is active on various social media platforms. He has a significant following on these platforms and often shares updates on his personal and professional life. Here are the links to Ben Simmons’ social media accounts:
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenSimmons25
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bensimmons/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bensimmons