Ben Simmons has withdrawn from the Australian Olympic squad, Basketball Australia announced today.
According to the press release, Simmons indicated to Boomers head coach Brian Goorjian that he will use the offseason to "focus on individual skill development" and that he wishes the team well.
"I have spoken with Ben and whilst we wanted him to be a part of our team, we understand and support his decision and he has made it clear that this is something that he wants to be a part of in the future," Goorjian said.
"It is a pretty rough time for him right now and I know it is something that he wanted to do, but the timing just hasn't worked.
"The best thing for everybody right now is for him to go on and develop that skill package and improve in a couple of areas for his next season in the NBA, but the Boomers are always here for him. We wanted him to know that in his time of need, the culture and the guys here are behind him and support him."
In June, Simmons was one of 19 players to make Australia's training camp roster ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. However, following Philadelphia's Game 7 loss to the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that Simmons was "doubtful" to play.
Ben Simmons is doubtful to play for Australia in Tokyo Olympics, sources said. Will spend offseason working on skill development. Aussies scheduled to begin training this week in L.A.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) June 21, 2021
The Boomers are expected to name their final 12-man roster for the Tokyo Olympics in early July.
Ahead of the Olympics, the Boomers will play exhibition games against the United States, Nigeria and Argentina in Las Vegas.
The Olympic Games start for the Boomers on July 25.
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