Ben Simmons is hoping to represent Australia in this summer’s FIBA World Cup, writes Brian Lewis of The New York Post.
Simmons sat out nearly the last two months of the Nets‘ regular season because of lingering pain in his back, but he’s indicated that his rehab work is going well. The Boomers’ first World Cup game will take place August 26 in Okinawa, and their training camp will likely start in early August.
Australian national team head coach Brian Goorjian recently expressed hope that Simmons would be able to participate, and Simmons told The Daily Telegraph in Sydney (subscription required) that he’ll try to be ready.
“I’m currently rehabilitating my back injury and putting my full effort and focus towards that,” Simmons said. “I love what coach Goorjian is building with the Boomers and I look forward to being a part of the program in the future.”
Lewis points out that the microdiscectomy that Simmons underwent last May to repair a herniated disc typically carries an 18-month recovery timeline for the nerves to be fully healed. A nerve impingement that sidelined Simmons in February is common among people who undergo that operation, according to medical experts that Lewis consulted.
Sources close to Simmons and the team told Lewis that a second surgery isn’t likely to be necessary, although a final decision won’t be made until later this month. Lewis adds that Simmons has been working out regularly at the Nets‘ facility and recently posted pictures from those sessions on Instagram.
Playing in the World Cup would give Simmons a chance to sharpen his skills ahead of Brooklyn’s training camp, which starts in late September. The Nets will need the three-time All-Star back in top form to serve as a leader of their rebuilt roster.
Tempting the gods.
Some things you can’t make up
He’s probably be better off just laying in the FIFA World Cup
He needs a new injury so he can miss next season
Play? Does he ever play?
When he gets injured, can the Nets void his contract?
This bum shouldn’t get the opportunity. Sit out here then play somewhere else. How do players have this much power
Ben is really trying to do every possible thing other than work for his employer.
I thought he was just part of the rehab team.
Sure, let him audition. Coach is under no obligation, guy isn’t a superstar anymore. If he can’t even play for them then we know he’s officially done and life can move on.
Sure he does. lol
Aussies should reject his offer. His toxic traits should be nowhere near their team. Last Olympics he knocked back the chance to play for them yet turned up at a tennis match with his latest woman nearby where the games were being played.
Aussie full strength
1. Giddey. Mills. Delly
2. Green. Daniels. Creek
3. Ingles. Thybulle. Cooks
4. Simmons. White. Bolden
5. Landale. Baynes. Maker
Aussie would defend well and if Ben played he could re find some form playing against easier opponents. If anything tho it’s always Patty Mills that leads them and looks excellent. Josh Green could really showcase himself. Jock Landale would surprise a lot of people and be a force. I’d also look forward to seeing Giddey and Daniel’s potentially paired together in a twin towers backcourt.
I’m not an aussie but who tf are these players
There should be a rule that nobody reports on Ben Simmons ever again unless he scores 30 points in a game or makes a 3, he’s simply not relevant at all
Jesus…this clown is a complete tool.
Never plays to earn any of his $$$ and then thinks he should play this??
He’d be taking the spot of someone who will actually play. This guy has a need to be in the way.
Needs to play …… has to find his mojo again
Nets need to trade him first, then let the new franchise decide what they want to put up with regarding his fragile nature