I still remember the first time I saw Ben Simmons play during that Shakey's Super League exhibition game in Manila. The arena was electric, and honestly, I've been following his career with both fascination and frustration ever since. Watching him dominate that exhibition tournament with his unique combination of size and court vision, I couldn't help but think we were witnessing the next great point guard. Fast forward to today, and his NBA journey has been anything but predictable.
When Simmons entered the league as the number one overall pick in 2016, the expectations were sky-high. I recall thinking he had all the tools to become a perennial All-Star - his 6'10" frame combined with guard skills was something we hadn't seen since Magic Johnson. His rookie season didn't disappoint either, averaging 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. Those numbers were historic, making him only the third rookie ever to lead his team in all three major statistical categories. I remember arguing with friends that season about whether he was already a top-20 player in the league.
The 2019-2020 season stands out as perhaps his most complete campaign. He made his second All-Star appearance and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting. I was particularly impressed by his performance against Utah that March, where he recorded 14 assists without a single turnover. That kind of playmaking precision is rare for any player, let alone someone his size. His defensive versatility during that stretch was something special - he could legitimately guard all five positions effectively.
Then came the playoff struggles that began to define his career narrative. The 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals against Atlanta was particularly tough to watch. That moment when he passed up a wide-open dunk in Game 7 lives rent-free in my memory. As someone who's defended Simmons through various criticisms, even I had to admit that series exposed real limitations in his offensive game. The free-throw shooting, which hovered around 34% during those playoffs, became a legitimate concern that opponents would exploit.
The trade to Brooklyn in 2022 represented a fresh start that I thought would revitalize his career. Remember that first game back in Philadelphia? The intensity was palpable even through the television screen. But injuries have continued to plague him - he appeared in only 42 games last season, averaging career lows in nearly every category. I've had countless debates about whether the back issues are the primary cause of his decline or if there's something more fundamental at play.
Looking at his future prospects, I'm torn between optimism and realism. On one hand, he's still just 27 years old and theoretically entering his physical prime. When healthy, he remains one of the most unique talents in the league. I've watched enough basketball to know that players with his specific skill set don't come around often. The potential for him to reinvent himself as a defensive anchor and secondary playmaker still exists, especially if he can develop even a respectable mid-range game.
The financial aspect can't be ignored either. With two years and approximately $78 million remaining on his contract, the pressure is mounting for him to return to All-Star form. From my perspective, his best path forward might be embracing a Draymond Green-like role - focusing on defense, playmaking, and energy rather than scoring. I've noticed that when he stops worrying about his shooting and just plays to his strengths, the impact on winning basketball is still significant.
Thinking back to that Shakey's Super League performance, what stood out was his joy for the game. Somewhere along his NBA journey, that seemed to diminish. If he can recapture that passion while accepting a modified role, I believe he can still be a valuable contributor to a championship team. The road ahead won't be easy, but I'm not ready to write off Ben Simmons just yet. His story feels incomplete, and something tells me we haven't seen the final chapter of what could still be a remarkable career resurgence.