Australian basketball prodigy Ben Simmons has been labelled the most significant disappointment the NBA has produced this century. At just twenty-nine years old, the former number one draft pick is without a team and confronting the very real possibility that his professional career is ending far sooner than anyone could have predicted.
The Staggering Verdict
NBA analyst Bill Simmons delivered a brutal assessment, ranking the athlete above every other draft bust from the past quarter-century. He described Ben Simmons's decline as the most staggering he has witnessed.
"I made a list of the guys I was most disappointed by... I think my number one most disappointing guy of the last 25 years is Ben Simmons," the analyst stated on his podcast. He recalled a time when Simmons appeared destined for greatness, suggesting he could have been one of the league's ten best players and a foundational block for a championship team.
The analyst drew comparisons to LeBron James, noting Simmons's potential when driving to the basket and his elite defensive capabilities. "And then in that Atlanta series, it just went sideways and I'm disappointed by it," he concluded, referencing the infamous 2021 playoff series that became the catalyst for Simmons's downfall.
A Career Unravelled
Simmons's journey began with immense promise when the Philadelphia 76ers selected him with the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. After sitting out his first season with a foot injury, he exploded onto the scene, winning the Rookie of the Year award in 2018 and being billed as the next superstar point forward.
His early career was decorated with success. Between 2018 and 2021, he earned three All-Star selections, was named to an All-NBA Team, and twice made the All-Defensive First Team, establishing himself as the core of Philadelphia's defence. Despite these accolades, his reluctance to shoot from distance and his struggles at the free-throw line were persistent topics of debate.
Everything changed during the 2021 Eastern Conference semi-finals against the Atlanta Hawks. In a pivotal Game 7, Simmons infamously passed up an open dunk, opting for a contested pass instead. The moment became symbolic of his crisis in confidence. After the loss, when coach Doc Rivers was asked if Simmons could be the point guard on a championship team, he replied, "I don't know the answer to that right now." Teammate Joel Embiid also expressed frustration, deepening a growing rift.
The Aftermath and Uncertain Future
The fallout was swift and severe. Simmons refused to report to training camp, requested a trade, and was repeatedly fined by the 76ers. He publicly cited mental-health struggles and a lack of organisational support, stating he "wasn't in a place to play." This led to a trade to the Brooklyn Nets in 2022.
His time in Brooklyn was marred by physical ailments, primarily a herniated disc and nerve issues. Over three seasons, he managed only 90 games, and his scoring average plummeted to single digits. Recurring back pain transformed the former All-Star into a medical mystery. The Nets eventually bought out the final year of his maximum contract, a deal that had seen him earn over $100 million while contributing very little on the court.
A brief, minimum-salary stint with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2025 offered a flicker of hope, showcasing glimpses of his former defensive and playmaking prowess. However, the Clippers did not retain him. Now, as a free agent, reports indicate he has turned down at least one minimum contract offer, leaving his career in a state of limbo. Despite speculation about retirement, Simmons has insisted online that he is not retired.
