Tokyo Olympics: Ben Simmons doubtful to commit to Boomers after poor NBA playoff run

After a disappointing playoff campaign with Philadelphia, Ben Simmons is unlikely to play for the Boomers at this year’s Tokyo Olympics.

Boomers coach Brian Goorjian was surprised when reports surfaced suggesting Ben Simmons is doubtful to commit to Australia’s Olympic campaign.

After a disappointing end to his NBA finals campaign, it’s been reported Simmons is unlikely to commit to the Boomers in Tokyo in a major blow to Australia’s maiden medal chances.

Contacted on Tuesday morning, Goorjian was unaware of Simmons plan to pull out of the Games after he named in a 19-man squad for warm-up games against the US next month.

The veteran mentor was planning to make calls to America, including directly to Simmons’ team, before making further comment.

Australia’s other NBA stars including Joe Ingles and Patty Mills are fully committed to the Olympic cause.

But according to NBA ESPN reporter Brian Windhorst, Simmons is leaning towards not playing at the Olympics to focus on an off-season working on skill development after his Philadelphia 76ers bombed out of the NBA playoffs in disappointing fashion.

Boomers coach Brian Goorjian was confident the 76ers star would play in Tokyo, but it appears he wants to put his NBA career first.

Simmons was set to play for the Boomers at the 2019 World Cup in China before he opted to forego his commitment to focus on the NBA after signing a five-year contract extension worth $242 million.

The Philadelphia point guard is yet to represent the Boomers at an Olympics or World Championships after being cut from the final World Cup roster in 2014 and focusing on his rookie NBA season for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Ben Simmons is doubtful to play for Australia in Tokyo Olympics, sources said. Will spend offseason working on skill development. Aussies scheduled to begin training this week in L.A.

— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) June 21, 2021

Simmons’ future at the 76ers is also in doubt after he failed to produce in the big moments in a Game 7 Eastern Conference semi-final loss to Atlanta.

The Melbourne-born guard finished with five points (took just four shots), eight rebounds and 13 assists in his 35 minutes on the court.

Simmons was selfless on the offensive end, but he failed to score the important baskets when the game was there to be won down the stretch.

Ben Simmons’ NBA future uncertain after more playoff pain. Picture: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images/AFP

This included a crucial play in the fourth quarter when under the basket he passed to a teammate instead of going up for the dunk.

Simmons spoke post-game and accepted blame for his substandard form.

“I had a bad series and I expect that (criticism),” Simmons said.

“It is Philly, but I love being in Philly.

“I love this organisation. The fans are great people.”

The big question is now if Simmons will commit to Australia for the Tokyo Olympics, which begin on July 25.

Members of the Boomers squad will assemble in Los Angeles at a drop-in centre to start training from June 24.

Australian officials will assess the squad before naming a final 12-man team for Tokyo in early July.

The final 12 will participate in exhibition matches against the United States, Nigeria, and Argentina in Las Vegas as a last hitout before departing for Japan.

Simmons’ post-season struggles, especially his poor free-throw shooting, has prompted calls for Philadelphia to trade him.

Respected voices in the NBA believe it’s inevitable that the 76ers move on the star Aussie, who was the centrepiece of the 76ers’ James Harden pursuit.

Simmons could well have played his last game for Philadelphia. Picture: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP.

Simmons’ battles in the post-season could also have an impact on his value in the market, although he remains one of the NBA’s premier passers and defenders.

76ers coach Doc Rivers was asked post-game if Simmons could be point guard on a championship team.

“I don‘t know the answer to that right now,” Rivers said.

“Obviously he struggled at the free-throw line and that became a factor in this series, there is no doubt about that.

“I still believe in him (Ben), but we have work to do. We are going to have to get in the gym and put a lot of work in and then go forward.”

Simmons’ ability to be a big-game performer in the playoffs has been strongly questioned.

In his final 11 games of the season, he was five for five from the field in fourth quarters, while he also became the first player this season to miss 10 free throws in a single game.

Renowned poor free-throw shooter Shaquille O’Neal attempted at least 50 free throws in 13 playoffs, with his worst percentage 39.3 per cent.

Simmons’ post-season percentage is 32.8 per cent, and he conceded his struggles were in the mind.

“Definitely, I think, mental,” Simmons said previously.

Originally published as Tokyo Olympics: Ben Simmons doubtful to commit to Boomers after poor NBA playoff run