A Storm is Coming
Why the 2017–2018 NBA Season is just the beginning for one, Ben Simmons
It started with a warning.
“Roughly a year since I arrived in Philly and some think I’ve stayed the same. I’ve had a year to learn, experience and develop my game to the point where I’m ready grab this up coming season by the throat. Looking back now I would have killed the old me on the court. Philly, it’s going to be a scary sight. Let’s go!”
These are the words of Simmons himself, posted to his personal Instagram account. Confidence is something that’s never been a problem for the young baller, seeming exuding it from the day he stepped in the media spotlight as the presumptive top pick at LSU. While this may not stand out as anything more than a post coming 2 months before the season start, this is a warning to all contemporaries and preordained stars;
You ain’t seen nothing yet.
The Becoming
Two seasons ago, it was Simmons, not a certain Ball family member, that was the heralded prospect coming out of the college ranks. Standing at 6'10" with incredible ball skills and feel, Simmons was heralded as the latest and greatest prospect in the mold of Lebron James, the incumbent best player in the world.
Missing the NCAA Tournament did not dampen any of the hype surrounding the young Simmons nor did it stop him from signing to Lebron-affiliated Klutch Sports Agency, or sitting courtside like a guest of honor at that year’s NBA Finals. Fast forward to more recent times and Simmons could be spotted working out with the King in Vegas during this year’s Summer League. But before bursting into the national spotlight at LSU, Ben Simmons was just a kid born in Melbourne, Australia, July 20th, 1996.
Without digging into someone’s entire personal backstory, what’s relevant is that he’s been an athlete since a youth, playing and winning accolades in multiple sports. You can see it in his presence now, Ben Simmons is neither a stranger, or afraid, of the spotlight. Amongst his accomplishments, Simmons represented his country at the U-17 World championships, as a 15 year old. He led Australia to a bronze finish in the tournament putting up some big contests throughout.
One and Done
Simmons attended LSU because his Godfather, David Patrick, was an assistant coach. The whole family was on the same page, that this was part of the process, nothing more.
“If you get a kid who’s a child prodigy and plays the violin amazingly, no one’s saying to them you must go to college for a year before you join the philharmonic orchestra.” his mother, Julia, said in the documentary “One and Done”.
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Simmons balled out on the court, even though not every night ended well for his team. Off the court, Simmons did enough to maintain his eligibility, knowing where his eyes truly lie.
“The NCAA is really f — -ed up,” Simmons said in the documentary.
“Everybody’s making money except the players. We’re the ones waking up early as hell to be the best teams and do everything they want us to do and then the players get nothing. They say education, but if I’m there for a year, I can’t get much education.”
Simmons was acutely aware of his position as a top NBA prospect, even speaking to the trials and tribulations of maintaining eligibility while turning down offers of expensive cars, jewelery, and “anything” as Simmons put it.
Despite Simmons sometimes dazzling play, the team failed to achieve consistency during the year failing to win the SEC Tournament or make the NCAA Tournament with a record of 19–14. Once a Wooden Aware Midseason Nominee, Simmons academic performance held him from final consideration for the de Facto Player of the Year award. The eye test would surely tell you it wasn’t the actual receiptent of the award.
Simmons had a noted desire and hunger to get to the NBA level, where he could showcase his talents, and be handsomely rewarded for it. Despite missing out on major college hardware, His selection as the Number 1 pick to the Philadelphia 76ers was a forgone conclusion. Summer League saw a buzz every time he was on the court and the flashes we did see showed us a game changing talent, just scratching the surface of what he can be.
Then the Philadelphia injury bug struct another prized prospect and Simmons intial NBA campaign was claimed by a broken foot.
Which brings us back to now.
Simmons, having sat out last year due to the injury, will be an official NBA rookie at season’s beginning. One of the favorites to win the award, for the best amongst the newest members of the most elite basketball league in the world. But Simmons is not new to this elite club, he’s been a member at every level he’s been at. Why would this be any different?
If working out with Lebron James didn’t already tell you anything, let the young man’s track record tell you. This is a dominant player about to be unleashed on the NBA world. He has risen to the cream of the crop at every level, and now, a full professional season removed from school where he hasn’t just been “sitting around” like some may think and you have a real problem on your hands, Eastern Conference.
You thought Lonzo Ball was the future?
Let the Ben Simmons Show begin.
