Ben Simmons eyes Boomers callup for 2028 Olympics, but has he left his run too late?

Ben Simmons has signalled a desire to don the green and gold at Los Angeles come 2028, but there's a genuine possibility he won't be one of Australia's top twelve players.

After a disappointing campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympics saw the Australian Boomers finish in sixth place, with a 1-3 record, veteran coach Brian Goorjian decided it was time to step down. His successor was recently announced to be longtime Boomers assistant coach Adam Caporn, who faces high expectations with such a talented playing group at his disposal.

That potential roster includes the enigmatic Ben Simmons, who last suited up for Australia at the 2013 FIBA Oceania Championships. Several major tournaments have come and gone since then, and the Boomers won a historic bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics without the three-time NBA All-Star, but questions have always lingered around a potential Simmons comeback. Caporn’s arrival has thrown fuel on that fire, with Simmons recently expressing a desire to make his long-awaited Boomers return.

Caporn is no stranger to Simmons’ talent, having previously coached Australia’s Under-19 national team from 2014 to 2016. Simmons was age-eligible to participate in the 2015 FIBA Under-19 World Championships, but could not be lured to join the Emus at a time where his NBA draft stock was fragile. In a recent interview with RG, Simmons hinted that he may make himself available for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, if his health permits. The NBA veteran would be 32 years old by that point.

"That's what I've always wanted — to play in the Olympics," Simmons told RG. "If I'm healthy and I'm good to go, then I'll definitely be there."

Simmons also paid tribute to Caporn, indicating that his personal relationship with the new Boomers coach may be a factor in his anticipated return.

"I’ve known [Adam Caporn] for a while, I'm happy for him," Simmons said.

"He's a great coach and a great person. I'm looking forward to talking to him and getting connected — continue to build our relationship going into the next Olympics."

But while many Aussie basketball fans would be eager to watch Simmons in the FIBA arena, there’s one question that few have dared to ask - what if Simmons doesn’t make the final twelve man roster?