Simmons was one of the most talented prospects in world basketball ahead of going to Philadelphia with the number one overall pick in the 2016 draft, before winning the 2018 Rookie of the Year. (Photo by William WEST / AFP)Īfter missing the entire 2021-22 season after back surgery, Simmons then concluded his 2022-23 campaign with Brooklyn early with back and knee issues, but the herniated disc is not expected to require that he go under the knife. He gets that and he wants that.”Īustralian coach Brian Goorjian previously said Simmons was a “strong chance” to play in the World Cup. “He will also be around these guys that he has grown up with. “I also feel that Ben understands being with the Boomers and enjoying his basketball while representing his country. “As we sit now, I think there is a really strong chance (that he plays at the World Cup). “It just didn’t work, but now he is in a situation where he is getting his health back to be ready to play. “But that was a very tough situation (in Philadelphia) and he was in the process of change. “Our door is always open to him and during my time with the Boomers he has always been straightforward with me. “There were unfortunate circumstances (why he didn’t play at Tokyo), but I feel like he is going to make himself available. “And I think he has been along that line for a while and I felt it last time. “I think his (Ben’s) mindset is getting health, getting in shape and getting ready to play in this (World Cup),” Goorjian told SEN. Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) Simmons told the Herald Sun he loved what Goorjian was building with the Boomers.īen Simmons has been out of action since February. Simmons made his intentions clear with in an interview with News Corp last week, confirming he was putting his efforts towards Boomers representation. “After the draw took place around a week ago and we know who and where we’re playing, we’re excited and eager to get stuck in and prepare for what will be an extremely challenging tournament.” “The fact it’s been so tough goes to show the depth of talent we have in Australian basketball right now and this extends back to all the pathway programs, the Centre of Excellence and the dedicated coaches who have been committed to growing our game, setting the standard, and getting us to this position. “The coaches and I have had many discussions about getting the mix right, but I’m really pleased with where we’ve landed with the guys we’ve selected, there’s a good balance across the court. “Pulling together this extended squad has taken time – it’s been a thorough process,” Goorjian said. National team coach Brian Goorjian called the selection process “so tough”, citing the depth of talent in Australian basketball at the moment. Who will win it all? Watch the NBA Playoffs and every game of the NBA Finals LIVE on ESPN on Kayo Sports. Tortured Australian NBA star Ben Simmons has been left out of the national team’s extended squad for the upcoming 2023 FIBA World Cup, just days after the precocious Brooklyn point forward expressed his desire to return to the green and gold.
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