Ditching Australia at 2023 FIBA World Cup, Ben Simmons Ensures Commitment to His Nation for Next Year’s Mega Event

After winning multiple laurels, Ben Simmons’ career has hit a wall. He isn’t the same player who used to command a lot of respect among analysts and fanbase. Now, he’s in the crosshairs of greats like Charles Barkley regularly. The big reason for that is his fallout with the 76ers, which led him to sit out an entire season. Then he turned to the Nets and wasn’t even half the player he was a couple of seasons ago.

In this wake, the Australian Guard missed out on the FIBA World Cup. Will he be available during the Olympics?

Is Ben Simmons up for an Australian job next summer?

Simmons came into the crosshairs after the 2021 Playoffs when the Hawks defeated the 76ers in seven games. During the series, Simmons was passing up open shots while also clanking free throws. His play came into scrutiny and his teammate at the time, Joel Embiid, also lambasted him for his performance. 

In the succeeding season, the Guard didn’t even show up for a single game for the 76ers. The two were past each other and he refused to play when he was in the second year of the five-year $177 million deal. He lost millions for not playing and it seemed like the will to play has left.

He was inactive on the international scene, and his love for the game came under scrutiny too. However, lately, the Guard has shown enthusiasm and has been reminding people of his impressive resume. As a defender, he has made multiple first All-NBA Defensive Teams.

He missed out on the FIBA World Cup 2023 campaign for Australia because of a back injury.

But he hinted toward an Australian comeback. When Andscape asked him about the possibility of playing in the Paris Olympics next year, he showed full willingness. He stated, “Yeah, for sure. Olympics? Yeah, 100%. And that’s what I want to do next year”.

The Guard is looking forward to joining a blossoming outfit.

Simmons wants to be ready for the Olympics

Going further into the subject, he relayed, “I’ll let you break the news. I want to play. That’s the other thing. I get messages from Australian people like, ‘Yo, you should be playing right now. [Houston Rockets center] Jock Landale is playing right now.”

He continues, “To me, I’m going to play when I’m ready. There hasn’t really been a time where I’ve been prepared and ready physically. But next year, my goal is to be on the Olympic team.”

READ MORE: Ditched by Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, Ben Simmons Reveals Blessing in Disguise: “I Don’t Want Drama Either”

The Australian team can have an exciting all-around backcourt with Simmons and Giddey, supported by Mills’ shooting in the Olympics. If Simmons returns to his old form, will they be serious contenders for gold? Do share in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Despite Cardiac Arrest, LeBron James and Bronny James to Be Future 76ers Target as James Harden-Joel Embiid Drama Grows, per Insider