Ben Simmons won’t suit up for Australia at the World Cup

The door that was left open for Ben Simmons to join the Australian World Cup squad has been shut by the NBA star.

Ben Simmons won’t play for Australia at the World Cup. Picture: Justin Ford/Getty Images

Ben Simmons’ decade-long absence from the Australian team will continue after he ruled out joining the Boomers for the FIBA World Cup.

National coach Brian Goorjian didn’t name Simmons in his squad but left the door open as he continued his rehabilitation from a back injury that cut his 2022-23 NBA season with the Brooklyn Nets short.

The 26-year-old NBA All Star hasn’t played for the Australian national team since the 2013 FIBA Oceania Championships but had signalled his wish to try to get himself ready.

A report from Nets Daily said Simmons and the Nets came to a joint decision that he would focus his energies on getting ready for the upcoming NBA season.

Basketball Australia then confirmed the news.

“Ben Simmons and the Brooklyn Nets have advised Basketball Australia that Ben is unavailable for the World Cup,” a statement said.

“Ben needs more time to focus on his rehab and he looks forward to being part of the Boomers in the future.

“We wish Ben all the best in his recovery.”

Ben Simmons is in good shape.

Simmons had given previous commitments to play for the Boomers at both the 2019 World Cup and 2021 Tokyo Olympics but was a late withdrawal both times.

In holding out hope earlier this month that Simmons would join his squad, Goorjian labelled the NBA star “that little spice that you add” to the team.

But he was never relying on Simmons linking up with the Boomers.

“We’re building a foundation and a process moving forward and if he comes, that’s a nice addition to it,” he said.

“If not, we’re good to go.”

Ben Simmons won’t play in FIBA World Cup, Nets upbeat about his Brooklyn prospects https://t.co/ZxVYJGII85pic.twitter.com/h4AK7rKHiS

— NetsDaily (@NetsDaily) June 29, 2023

Simmons could yet target joining the Boomers for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The Boomers, coming off a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, are drawn in Group E for the World Cup, alongside Germany, Finland, and Japan. The Boomers will play their first two group phases in Okinawa, Japan, before travelling to Manila, Philippines for the finals, should they qualify.