Simmons eyes 2020 Olympics
In a statement that is sure to excite all Aussie basketball fans, Ben Simmons has flagged his intentions to don the green and gold at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo
Simmons decided to sit out of the Rio Olympics to focus on the NBA Draft and to acclimatise to his new NBA life and team.
In an interview with Sixers beat writer Tom Moore at Sixers' Camp, Simmons stated his desire to ‘hopefully’ play for the Boomers in 2020.
https://twitter.com/tmoore76ers/status/757960901664264192
It's assumed the ‘hopefully’ part is Simmons not wanting to presume he is automatically selected, although barring injury (knock on wood) it is all but assured.
The 2020 team is shaping up as the most talented Boomers team of all time.
They'll be led by Simmons, Dante Exum and Thon Maker, players who if able to fulfill their lofty potential will be NBA stars on the cusp of their primes (insert Thon Maker age joke here).
The 2020 Boomers will likely be joined by NBA veterans and current Rio Boomers Matthew Dellavedova, Patty Mills, Aron Baynes, Joe Ingles and maybe even Andrew Bogut if his body is holding up. Then, rounded out with some NBL/European talent or maybe some young prodigies putting their hand up to play (some possibilities noted here).
Still a long way to go but hearing a commitment by Simmons (however loose and early) is still reassuring.
Extra tidbits
Some other Ben Simmons quotes of note from his chat with Tom Moore:
https://twitter.com/tmoore76ers/status/757960114833756160
https://twitter.com/tmoore76ers/status/757963969114042372