NBA: 30 greatest international players in league history

SAN ANTONIO - MAY 09: Guard Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles the ball past Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs in Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center on May 9, 2010 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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Ben Simmons, Sixers (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

Greatest international NBA players of all time: 27. Ben Simmons

After he was drafted with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers and the NBA world at large had to wait another year before Ben Simmons could take the court.

It was a long year, but one that proved well worth the wait when the time came. Simmons started his NBA career with four consecutive double-doubles, registering his first-ever triple-double in the last of those outings.

The size, speed, and athleticism. The finishing touch. The passing vision. It all made for an overwhelming package that had the 21-year-old contending for an All-Star birth in his very first season. He’d have to settle for Rookie of the Year honors with near-triple double averages of 15.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game, helping the Sixers end a five-year playoff drought.

In the two-plus years since, many have pointed out Simmons’ lack of shooting touch anywhere outside the restricted area. Though an obvious flaw whose correction could greatly elevate Philly’s title hopes, constantly harping on it ignores all the good he’s brought to the table from the moment he entered the league to have the Sixers sit as perennial postseason participants.

Aside from his ROY trophy, Simmons is a two-time All-Star. He’s coming off an electric 2019-20 season in which, aside from elite averages of 16.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.8 assists, he also led the league with 2.1 steals per game. He earned All-NBA Third Team honors and, more importantly, was named to the All-Defensive First Team.

That might not be enough for some who still hope to one day see Simmons expand his range. But such an impressive resume compiled in such a short period of time has turned out to be quite the get for the 76ers regardless and will continue to be in the coming years.