Former Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons has had a fall from grace as he continues to try and get his career back on track. During his time with the Sixers, he was named an All-Star three times, made an All-Defensive First Team twice, and was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2020.
However, the 2021 playoffs was the end of his star play as he had a tumultuous summer which led to an ugly ending with the Sixers and a trade to the Brooklyn Nets at the 2022 deadline. After spending the 2024-25 season playing with Brooklyn and the Los Angeles Clippers, Simmons is still looking for a new home.
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With that being said, Simmons is still one of the best international players before the way things ended in Philadelphia. HoopsHype ranked him No. 33 on the top 79 international players of all-time list:
Ben Simmons‘ reputation has taken a massive hit since the 2021 playoffs but don’t forget about his play before that, as Simmons is one of only four international point guards in NBA history to make three All-Star appearances. Shooting woes aside, Simmons was a freakish talent at lead ball-handler, with the size of some centers and the athleticism of a swingman, but with the vision necessary to play point guard at a very high level. Also an unreal defender thanks to his effort on that end along with his excellent physical tools.
Recency bias has said that Simmons isn’t anything special, but if one was able to see him before all of the back injuries and how things ended with the Sixers, he was one of the best players in the league who could make game-changing plays in the blink of an eye. It’s a shame to see his career going the way it is following such a blazing start.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Former Sixers star Ben Simmons ranked No. 33 international player