Ben Simmons Finds Solace in Nets’ Redemption After Country’s Betrayal

Ben Simmons won’t be suiting up in his national colors this summer. Simmons, an Australian native, has yet to play for the Boomers since the 2013 FIBA Oceania Championship. He opted out of the opportunity to play for them in the 2020 Olympics, as he hoped to “work on his game.” However, it looks like his return will need to wait as he stays left out by the team for the summer ahead. But while he did not make the cut for the national team, the 27-year-old can use this period to gear up for his redemption next season with the Brooklyn Nets.

Ben Simmons’ era in Brooklyn was a disaster from the very start. The Nets acquired him from the 76ers during the 2021–22 season in the same megadeal that sent James Harden to Philly. However, since becoming a Net, Simmons has only played in 57 out of 192 regular-season games, also missing their eight playoff tilts. And not only is he invisible on the floor, but he is also expensive. Next season, Simmons will be on an expiring contract worth $40.3 million. However, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post, a buyout seems off the table.

In fact, the Nets are planning for Simmons to be a part of the roster next season. After a successful microscopic partial discectomy last month to alleviate the pinched nerve in his lower back, he is expected to make a full recovery in time for training camp next season. NetsDaily X account also confirmed the news, stating, “Confirming. I’m told exact same thing. They’re not giving up on him and have been very supportive during injury, surgery, and post-surgical recovery.”

Simmons is expected to be able to play next season, but that has been the narrative for the past two years. And when he does suit up, he looks like a shell of his former All-Star self, who entered the league as a first-overall draft pick in 2016. This season, he averaged 6.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists across 15 games before a back injury put him on the shelf. The one that also cost him a spot on the national team.

Ben Simmons will not suit up for the Australian team in the 2024 Paris Olympics

The same back injury that ended Simmons’ 2023–24 season early also dashed his hopes of suiting up for his national team. Coach Brian Goorjian recently told SEN 1170 Afternoons, “I really feel that he’s committed to Australia. When I met him face to face, he looked me in the eye, and he shook my hand, and said, ‘I want to be a Boomer.'” However, despite being all-in, Ben Simmons’ name was omitted from the preliminary 22-man squad for the Paris Olympics that Australia announced.

Australian Boomers head coach Brian Goorjian revealed that Simmons was gearing up to join their squad for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics until his back woes reappeared, forcing him to sit out the remainder of the season. “Since I’ve been involved with the Boomers to now, he hasn’t played in the NBA. If he’s not playing in the NBA he’s not playing for the Boomers, nor do we want a guy that isn’t in a position to play, that’s not fair to the other players,” said Goorjian.

Read More: Ben Simmons’ Surgery Success: Nets All-Star’s Return Timeline Revealed