Once again, Ben Simmons is out to prove the haters wrong.
It’s safe to say that Simmons’ career has not gone the traditional path of a No. 1 overall pick. The top prospect from the 2016 draft did not pan out for the 76ers, due to a mix of injuries and underperformances, but he now is leading the way with the Nets.
Despite a change in uniform, the unfortunate track record in his health has carried from Philadelphia to Brooklyn. Simmons is coming off a 2023-24 season in which he played in just 15 games. After missing the first half of the season, a back injury shut him down in March, marking another season of the guard missing extensive time.
Simmons is aiming to get back on track for the 2024-25 campaign. With Mikal Bridges moved to the Knicks this offseason, it opens the door for Simmons to find his way into a major role for Brooklyn.
A big part of what Simmons brings is his playmaking ability. Between his passing and his size, it’s no surprise to hear that he is always a threat to put up a triple-double. In fact, he ranks in the top 20 on the all-time list, and is using that to remind folks that he’s “not that bad at basketball.”
“I’m not that bad at basketball. I’m 14th all-time in triple-doubles [with 33]. It’s not too bad. But I think I got some more in me.”
– Ben Simmons
(via @erikslater_) pic.twitter.com/cRCI36HVM9
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 30, 2024
Simmons has only recorded one triple-double in his short career with the Nets. That was nearly two years ago, during a contest on Jan. 17, 2023, against the Spurs. He did not put together any incidents of that variety last year.
With the start of the regular season looming, hoop fanatics will soon find out if this is finally the bounce-back year Simmons has been looking for.
Who has the most triple-doubles in NBA history?
Nobody has recorded more regular-season triple-doubles in NBA history than Russell Westbrook (199).
The guard has been a machine in all facets of the game since emerging onto the scene in 2008. The player closest to Westbrook is Oscar Robertson, who recorded 181 triple-doubles in his Hall of Fame career.
Magic Johnson (138), Nikola Jokic (130), LeBron James (112) and Jason Kidd (107) join Westbrook and Robertson as the only players who have recorded 100 or more triple-doubles in their careers.
| Rank | Player | Triple-doubles |
| 1. | Russell Westbrook | 199 |
| 2. | Oscar Robertson | 181 |
| 3. | Magic Johnson | 138 |
| 4. | Nikola Jokic | 130 |
| 5. | LeBron James | 112 |
| 6. | Jason Kidd | 107 |
| 7. | Wilt Chamberlain | 78 |
| 8. | James Harden | 77 |
| Luka Doncic | 77 | |
| 10. | Larry Bird | 59 |
| 11. | Domantas Sabonis | 58 |
| 12. | Giannis Antetokounmpo | 45 |
| 13. | Fat Lever | 43 |
| 14. | Bob Cousy | 33 |
| Ben Simmons | 33 | |
| 16. | Rajon Rondo | 32 |
| Draymond Green | 32 | |
| 18. | John Havlicek | 31 |
| 19. | Grant Hill | 29 |
| 20. | Michael Jordan | 28 |
| 21. | Elgin Baylor | 26 |
| 22. | Clyde Drexler | 25 |
| 23. | Walt Frazier | 23 |
| 24. | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | 21 |
| Micheal Ray Richardson | 21 | |
| Chris Webber | 21 | |
| Kobe Bryant | 21 | |
| Kyle Lowry | 21 |
Ben Simmons career stats
Here is a look at Simmons’ averages during his NBA career:
- Games: 332
- Points: 14.4
- Rebounds: 7.8
- Assists: 7.4
- Steals: 1.6
- Blocks: 0.7
- FG%: 56.0
- 3PT%: 13.9
- FT%: 58.9
