Ben Simmons

On June 23, 2016, Ben Simmons was selected with the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. Simmons, who played college basketball at Louisiana State University (LSU), was regarded as one of the most talented players of his class. His selection marked the beginning of a new era for the 76ers, who were in the midst of a rebuilding phase known as 'The Process.'

On April 11, 2018, Ben Simmons recorded his first career triple-double in a game against the Atlanta Hawks. This performance featured 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 15 assists, demonstrating his versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. His ability to contribute in various facets of the game helped establish him as one of the top young players in the league.

On June 29, 2018, Ben Simmons was awarded the NBA Rookie of the Year for the 2017-2018 NBA season. Simmons, who averaged 15.8 points, 8.2 assists, and 8.1 rebounds per game, was instrumental in leading the Philadelphia 76ers to the playoffs. Despite competition from other rookies like Donovan Mitchell, Simmons's all-around contributions earned him the prestigious award.

On April 6, 2019, Ben Simmons signed a five-year, $170 million maximum contract extension with the Philadelphia 76ers. This contract highlighted the 76ers' commitment to Simmons as a cornerstone for their franchise. The deal was made possible by Simmons’s outstanding performances and potential as a young star who played a pivotal role in the team's recent successes.

On October 23, 2019, Ben Simmons made his first career three-pointer during a regular-season game against the New York Knicks. This shot was significant because Simmons had been widely criticized for his reluctance to shoot from beyond the arc. The successful attempt was celebrated by fans and teammates, marking a potential turning point in Simmons's approach to three-point shooting.

On February 13, 2020, Ben Simmons was named to the NBA All-Star team for the first time in his career. Simmons's consistent performance for the Philadelphia 76ers earned him the spot among the league's elite players. In the season leading up to the All-Star game, Simmons was averaging career highs in points, assists, and defensive metrics, solidifying his role as a star player.

On February 16, 2020, Ben Simmons showcased his skills during the 2020 NBA All-Star Game in Chicago. Simmons played a key role, contributing effectively with his defense and playmaking on the court. His performance helped highlight his status as one of the league's exciting young talents, even among the gathering of the NBA’s best players during the event.

On June 20, 2021, the Philadelphia 76ers were eliminated from the NBA playoffs by the Atlanta Hawks. Ben Simmons faced significant criticism for his performance, particularly his struggles with free-throw shooting and reluctance to attempt shots in clutch moments. The series highlighted areas of improvement for Simmons, leading to intense media scrutiny and speculation about his future with the team.

On February 10, 2022, Ben Simmons was traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Brooklyn Nets in a blockbuster deal involving James Harden. The trade ended months of speculation about Simmons's future in Philadelphia after his playoff struggles and subsequent request for a trade. The move was considered significant for both teams, marking a new chapter in Simmons's career in Brooklyn.

On October 19, 2022, Ben Simmons made his highly anticipated debut for the Brooklyn Nets in their season opener. After missing the entire 2021-2022 season, Simmons returned to the court eager to showcase his skills with his new team. The game was seen as a fresh start for Simmons, who aimed to leave behind a tumultuous period with the 76ers and become a key contributor for the Nets.