Basketball World Cup 2023: Ben Simmons wants to play for Australia again

After several false starts, Ben Simmons is ready to launch his career as an Australian Boomer. Find out why the NBA star was finally put his hand up.

Australian Boomers coach Brian Goorjian has confirmed Ben Simmons wants to play at this year’s World Cup – and the Boomers are keen to select the three-time NBA All-Star should he be fit to don the green and gold.

Simmons 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 over the 2016 Rio Olympics.

He 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 Melbourne-born guard was also in the mix to play at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but opted to spend the off-season working on skill development.

However, multiple sources have confirmed to News Corp that Simmons is keen to represent his country at the Cup – and the Boomers have the door open and ready.

There is also optimism the Brooklyn Nets star will avoid a second back surgery – and he is chomping at the bit to return to the court after battling injuries for the past two seasons.

Goorjian has always stated that Simmons is a part of the Australian setup, and the program would love to have him involved if he opts to play.

Ben Simmons wants to play for his country at this year’s World Cup

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

“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.”

Goorjian believes Simmons was set to play at the Tokyo Olympics, but the timing around his ugly trade standoff with the Philadelphia 76ers and injury made it difficult for the guard to commit to his country.

Over a year on, the guard is in a happier place and keen to excel on the court again, which is also a win for the Australian national team.

Goorjian is excited about the prospect of a fit and focused Simmons donning the green and gold.

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

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

“It (the Boomers) 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 Simmons has endured a rough road since the 2021 Tokyo Olympics

WHO ELSE WILL PLAY THE WORLD CUP?

Simmons likely committing to Australia’s World Cup campaign comes as the Boomers are primed to name an NBA-loaded squad for this year’s Cup.

Will there be a changing of the guard or a win-now mentality to continue the bronze-medal momentum from Tokyo?

These are the big questions facing the Boomers ahead of a pivotal World Cup campaign in Japan and the Philippines this August and September.

Coach Goorjian faces a selection challenge, with arguably the deepest depth on talent in history at his disposal.

There are automatic picks in veterans like Patty Mills and Joe Ingles while rising guard Josh Giddey has put his hand up to play and is necessary selection.

Outside of those players, though, most positions are up for grabs and will depend on the playing style and direction the Boomers want to adopt.

News Corp takes a close look at the players available for Australian selection – and who coach Goorjian should select to ensure World Cup success.

BIG MAN CONCERN AND DO YOU SELECT BAYNES?

Veteran centre Aron Baynes didn’t produce his finest form in his maiden NBL season with the Brisbane Bullets, but can the Boomers avoid not to select him given his proven experience on the international stage?

Add in the fact the Australians aren’t flush with dominating big men compared to the world’s best nations – and Baynes becomes crucial.

It could be argued that the Boomers can’t afford to play a struggling Baynes against world-class bigs like Rudy Gobert (France), Willy Hernangómez (Spain) and Bam Adebayo (USA).

However, you can’t replace years of international experience and a deep understanding of the Boomers culture.

Baynes possesses these traits in spades while he has the extra motivation of donning the green and gold again after his freakish fall at the Tokyo Olympics that prevented him from playing in Australia’s bronze medal-winning game.

Former Boomers and NBL big man Chris Anstey says he’d definitely select Baynes for the World Cup.

DOES DELLY GO AGAIN?

Matthew Dellavedova and his iconic dogged defence has been a trademark of the Boomers for over a decade, but has his time in the green and gold ended?

The emergence of multiple rising guards – namely Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels – has left Dellavedova’s position in the national team under threat.

This is especially the case given the Boomers will also select Patty Mills for this year’s World Cup.

Is there also space for Dellavedova or do the Australians move past this loyal servant to focus on the future?

The other vital aspect to Dellavedova is his devotion to the Boomers’ culture.

‘Delly’ is the ultimate teammate, whose sacrifices off the court are as influential as his on-court talent.

This was on show throughout his NBA stint with the Sacramento Kings when he selflessly played the role as the team’s experienced motivator from the bench.

Dellavedova only appeared in 32 regular season games, but he played a vital role in the lockeroom to help the Kings reach the postseason for the first since 2006.

Are the Boomers prepared to move on from ‘Delly’ or does he get another shot in the green and gold?

Originally published as Basketball World Cup 2023: Ben Simmons wants to play for Australia again