Ben Simmons pulls out of Boomers exhibition games in Australia

NBA superstar Ben Simmons has withdrawn from Australia’s exhibition matches against the USA and Canada in a massive blow to the Boomers and local fans.

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Australian coach Andrej Lemanis says Ben Simmons’ decision to play no part in the build-up to the Boomers World Cup campaign was in the best interests of both parties.

But he will be delighted to welcome the NBA superstar back into the green-and-gold fold ahead of next year’s Tokyo Olympics.

Simmons had already pulled out of the World Cup tournament itself due to his NBA commitments but had indicated he was available to play in the warm-up games against Canada and the US in Perth and Melbourne next month.

Ben Simmons will not be playing with the Boomers against USA and Canada. Picture: AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File

The Basketball World Cup & exhibition games are becoming an absolute p***take... 🙄🙈

Is coach Pop going to play? 😂 #FIBAWorldCup

— Trent Copeland (@copes9) July 27, 2019

All this outrage for @BenSimmons25 not suiting up for @BasketballAus in the series vs @usabasketball - we cheer for the name on the front of the jersey, not the back #goboomers

— Craig Campbell (@tothepointtt) July 27, 2019

However, common sense prevailed over the weekend with Simmons – who recently signed a $240 million, five-year deal with Philadelphia - deciding to also withdraw from the exhibition games to allow the Boomers to have the best possible preparation for the World Cup.

“After talking with coach Andrej, we both agreed it was better for me to not participate in this year’s 2019 World Cup and exhibition games,’’ Simmons said.

“With our focus being to win a medal at the 2020 Olympics, the Boomers’ preparation in the lead up to the world championships is of the utmost importance and me not playing allows the team to create the chemistry they need to compete at the highest level and qualify for the Olympics.

“I want to thank Basketball Australia for their continued support and I’m committed and excited to compete in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.”

Lemanis said he supported Simmons.

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Ben Simmons says he is still committed and excited to compete in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

“I don’t pretend to understand all the forces that pull at Ben Simmons but I know from previous experience with our NBA guys that there are a lot of forces that pull at them,’’ he said.

“He has a lot going on and as a coach it’s all about supporting the athlete and when he came to the decision, it made sense for him not to play in the exhibition games.

“From a team perspective as well, to be able to prepare for the World Cup – we’ve only got those four games as preparation so it’s important to utilise those to get the group where it needs to be.

“We are going with the goal to win a medal there and there’s the other overarching aspect which is qualifying for the Olympic Games.’’

Lemanis said Simmons was not the only NBA player who was unavailable for the World Cup with Ryan Broekhoff and Thon Maker also withdrawing from selection but the Boomers would still field a star-studded squad at the tournament.

@BasketballAus announced this morning that @BenSimmons25 will not play during the warm up games next month ahead of the @FIBAWC. While disappointing for the fans, it’s in the best interests of the team going to China to have the best possible preparation together. #GoBoomers pic.twitter.com/jRqfRGyi5I

— Tom Hersz (@tomhersz) July 27, 2019

Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze said the call from Simmons was “disappointing” but “understandable’’.

“When Ben Simmons is playing you’re basically going to redesign your whole structure for him,’’ Gaze told Macquarie Sports Radio.

“With him not playing in the World Cup you don’t want to set something and design something specifically for him, that really is not going to be relevant a few weeks later when you’re actually competing when it counts at the World Cup.’’

Boomers guard Patty Mills said the Australian players respected the situation Simmons is in and appreciated he was initially prepared to play in the exhibition games. Mills said Simmons had a long Boomers career ahead of him and would spearhead the next generation of the national team.

The extended Boomers squad will assemble on Saturday for the selection camp for the World Cup.