Ben Simmons wants to play for the Boomers at the upcoming World Cup

Ben Simmons has endured a rollercoaster relationship with the Australian public, now the NBA star looks set to do the unthinkable.

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 24: Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets warms up before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on October 24, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

Ben Simmons appears set and ready to finally pull on the green and gold.

The Aussie star has made his intentions clear he wants to represent his country after being cut from the 2014 World Cup roster.

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Simmons has prioritised his NBA commitments, but now is ready to join his fellow countrymen for the upcoming World Cup.

But that’s all changed with the 26-year-old confirming he is putting all his efforts towards getting his body right.

“I’m currently rehabilitating my back injury and putting my full effort and focus towards that,” Simmons said to the Herald Sun.

“I love what coach Goorjian is building with the Boomers and I look forward to being a part of the program in the future.”

That is far from locked in evidence that Simmons will be playing for the Boomers when the World Cup rolls around, but it’s a good sign early on.

Ben has endured a tough time. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

Boomers coach Brian Goorjian said the Brooklyn Nets guard is getting himself right before preparing for upcoming tournament.

“I think his (Ben’s) mindset is getting healthy, getting in shape and getting ready to play in this (World Cup),” Goorjian told SEN on Friday.

“And I think he has been along that line for a while and I felt it last time.

“There were unfortunate circumstances (why he didn’t play at Tokyo), but I feel like he is going to make himself available.

“Our door is always open to him and during my time with the Boomers he has always been straightforward with me.

“But that was a very tough situation (in Philadelphia) and he was in the process of change.

“It just didn’t work, but now he is in a situation where he is getting his health back to be ready to play.

“As we sit now, I think there is a really strong chance (that he plays at the World Cup).

“I also feel that Ben understands being with the Boomers and enjoying his basketball while representing his country.

“He will also be around these guys that he has grown up with. He gets that and he wants that.”

Ben has put his hand up for a return. Sarah Stier/Getty Images/AFP.

Simmons has endured a torrid run of late with back injuries riddling his NBA career.

After an injury-interrupted season, the Nets made blockbuster moves at the trade deadline and completely reshaped their roster.

Simmons’ place in the team remains up in the air as he enters another off-season under serious clouds.

“The biggest mystery of this roster is whether we will ever see a playable version of Ben Simmons,” ESPN’s Bobby Marks said.

“Lets face it, that’s the mystery, that’s going to be the unknown. I don’t care what’s written about him over the summer, that Ben Simmons is making progress, that he’s going to be ready for training camp.

“Show me. Show me in a game that you can become serviceable in a rotation because if not, you’ve got two years at $78 million left on his contract for a player who’s played 42 games in two seasons.”

Simmons’ attitude has also reportedly improved, with one source telling The New York Post that there is “a lot of belief” in the former first overall pick returning to his All-Star form.

“The group around Ben has noticed a complete change in Ben’s focus and mentality [through] this rehab and how he has attacked it and engaged with everything,” the source said.

Originally published as Ben Simmons wants to play for the Boomers at the upcoming World Cup