Ben Simmons Quiz: Can You Dunk on This Trivia?

Ben Simmons was selected as the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. This choice was highly anticipated as Simmons was considered a generational talent due to his size, athleticism, and versatility. Draft data from that year confirms he was never traded prior to debut.

Simmons played his only college season at Louisiana State University (LSU). While he posted strong statistics, LSU did not qualify for the NCAA tournament, which led to debates about his leadership. Still, LSU was his NCAA school, not Kentucky or Duke.

Though versatile, Ben Simmons is primarily known as a point guard, despite his 6'10" frame. He often brings the ball up the court, sets plays, and leads in assists. This size and role combo is rare, making him a point guard, not a forward or center by core responsibilities.

Ben Simmons missed the beginning of the 2021–22 NBA season citing mental health concerns and a back issue, following a public dispute with the 76ers after their playoff exit. It was not due to physical injury like a torn ACL, nor was it due to a trade or team relocation.

Ben Simmons was born in Melbourne, Australia, and has played for the Australian national basketball team. He has represented Australia in youth and senior competitions. He holds dual citizenship but has not played for any country other than Australia.

Simmons’ most criticized aspect of his game is his poor shooting ability, particularly from the three-point range. He often avoids perimeter shots and has one of the lowest 3-point attempt rates for guards. His free throw shooting also struggles, but threes remain his weakest metric.

Simmons officially won the NBA Rookie of the Year award for the 2017–18 season. Though drafted in 2016, he missed his first year due to injury. His first playing season was the 2017–18 campaign, where he posted impressive stats across rebounds, assists, and defense.

During his time with the 76ers, Ben Simmons wore jersey number 25. This number was widely associated with his brand and identity, including his merchandising and social media. His number changed when he joined the Brooklyn Nets, but with Philly, it was always 25.

In 2022, Simmons was part of a high-profile trade that sent him from the 76ers to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for James Harden. This trade was one of the biggest moves of the season, involving All-Stars and shifting dynamics in both teams’ strategies.

Ben Simmons is unique for his combination of elite defensive instincts and playmaking as a near-7-foot point guard. Unlike traditional scorers, his value lies in assists, steals, and on-ball defense, often guarding multiple positions effectively. He is not known for shooting but for his versatility.