Ben Simmons, Rich Paul, and an Uncomfortable Truth About His NBA Career
From Rookie of the Year to the symbol of unfulfilled talent. Ben Simmons’ NBA journey shows how expectations, pressure, and poor choices can change everything
Ben Simmons’ NBA experience has been a constant roller coaster, starting on Draft Night 2016, when he was selected first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Australian didn’t make his debut until the following season due to injury, yet still managed to win Rookie of the Year at the end of the year. In the seasons that followed, he earned multiple All-Star selections, made All-NBA teams, and signed a max contract with the Sixers.
The turning point came after the 2021 NBA Playoffs series against the Atlanta Hawks. Simmons became the focal point of criticism for his lack of impact in the decisive moments of Game 7, a loss that eliminated Philadelphia. In the ensuing NBA offseason, the definitive rupture between the player and the franchise took shape, ushering in a long and difficult stretch.
Currently without a team, Simmons has stated in recent days that he only wants to return to the NBA as a central figure, not to fill a marginal role in the league. In light of those comments, his career path is often labeled a failure – but his former agent Rich Paul has offered a different perspective.
Everything Ben wanted for himself happened: he was the No. 1 pick, he won Rookie of the Year, he was a multiple-time All-Star and All-NBA, and he signed a max contract. Some guys reach the top and say, ‘I made it.’ Others get there and decide to turn back, while some want to push even higher: that’s the difference.
Rich Paul
Only time will tell whether Ben Simmons can place himself back at the center of the NBA stage, or if he will remain one of the biggest ‘what ifs’ in recent NBA history.