Ben Simmons withdraws from Australia’s Tokyo Olympics basketball squad

Ben Simmons has officially pulled the pin on the Tokyo Olympics – and his decision has come with high-profile backing throughout the sport.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 22: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks during the first quarter against the Boston Celtics at Wells Fargo Center on January 22, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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. Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

Ben Simmons has dealt the Boomers’ medal dream a huge blow by withdrawing from the Tokyo Olympics.

Reports surfaced in the wake of Philadelphia’s playoffs exit that the Aussie star would skip the Olympics, which the Boomers confirmed on Tuesday.

The Melbourne-born guard wants to spend the off-season working on skills development, especially his shooting, after his stroke regressed significantly during the recent NBA season with Philadelphia.

Simmons was particularly poor during the 76ers’ failed playoff run, with his free throw shooting dropping to an all-time NBA-low 33 per cent.

As a result, he will sit out Australia’s tilt at a maiden medal in Tokyo to focus on improving his shot before the next NBA season.

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Ben Simmons is out of the Tokyo Olympics.

Coach Brian Goorjian supported Simmons’ stance, saying the 76ers’ guard has given his assurances he will one day don the green and gold.

“I have spoken with Ben and whilst we wanted him to be a part of our team, we understand and support his decision and he has made it clear that this is something that he wants to be a part of in the future,” Goorjian said.

“It is a pretty rough time for him right now and I know it is something that he wanted to do, but the timing just hasn’t worked.

“The best thing for everybody right now is for him to go on and develop that skill package and improve in a couple of areas for his next season in the NBA, but the Boomers are always here for him. We wanted him to know that in his time of need, the culture and the guys here are behind him and support him.”

■ HEAL: WHY SIMMONS HAS MADE RIGHT OLYMPIC CALL

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

He is yet to represent Australia at an Olympics or World Championships after being cut from the final World Cup roster in 2014, while he missed the 2016 Rio Olympics to focus on his rookie NBA season.

Boomers teammate Patty Mills echoed Goorjian’s support for Simmons.

Mills would love to play alongside the man widely regarded as Australia’s finest player, but understands his decision to put his NBA career first.

“Having that thought even to be able to share the court with Benny at some stage in the green and gold is something I am always OK with,” Mills said.

“This place right here, and the program we have developed, and how strong our culture is, this is one place for him that is always going to be here with open arms because we are mates.

“We are teammates, we are a brotherhood and to be able to represent the green and gold, that is the culture that we have.

“The number one fact and characteristic of our group is how we support each other through the good, bad and ugly, whatever it may be, and Ben isn’t an exception to that.

“No matter what he does, myself and the team will continue to support him because this is a safe place – everyone needs to know and understand that now more than ever, we need to support Ben on his journey.”

Thirteen of the 16-man Boomers Olympic squad are presently in Los Angeles as part of a drop-in training centre, with the remaining squad members scheduled to arrive over the coming days ahead of the final preparation and games in Las Vegas.

The final team of 12, named in early July, will participate in exhibition matches against the United States, Nigeria and Argentina in Las Vegas, as a final hit out before departing for Tokyo.