Los Angeles Clippers point guard Ben Simmons is hoping to stay in sunny California at least a little longer. That’s not just with regard to playing for the Clippers, who signed him shortly after he reached a contract buyout agreement with the Brooklyn Nets. He’s also eyeing the 2028 Summer Olympics, which will be hosted by Los Angeles.
“That’s what I’ve always wanted — to play in the Olympics,” Simmons tells RG’s Grant Afseth. “If I’m healthy and I’m good to go, then I’ll definitely be there.”
If Simmons does suit up for the LA Olympics, expect the Melbourne native to play for Australia. Indeed, the seven-year NBA veteran even spoke about his relationship with Washington Wizards assistant Adam Caporn, who was recently named the Boomers head coach.
“He’s a great coach and a great person,” Simmons relays. “I’m looking forward to talking to him and getting connected — continue to build our relationship going into the next Olympics.”
Clippers’ Ben Simmons Makes Soft LA Olympics Commitment
Simmons has expressed his desire to play for the Australian men’s national team multiple times this season. This could be because he’s become that much more aware of his basketball mortality and wants to scratch an Olympic appearance off his bucket list. After all, Simmons has turned down the chance to play in the Olympic Games a couple of times already.
When he first declined, he was preparing for the 2016 NBA Draft. In 2021, he was coming off of a career-altering playoff run that made him want to refine his game. Last year, he committed to the Boomers for the Paris Olympics but wasn’t healthy enough to play.
In a vacuum, each of Simmons’s denials were understandable, even if somewhat off-putting. Perhaps that’s why Australia has continued to express interest in him joining the team. He’s not necessarily an oath-breaker, the timing just wasn’t right.
In 2028, he and his home country’s clocks might be more synchronized.
What He Can Bring Boomers
As Simmons is no longer dominating like he was in his All-Star years, he likely won’t look much better three years from now. He’s only 28 years old, but back injuries have a way of making players age quicker.
With that being said, Simmons will always be a high IQ playmaker. He’ll still have excellent court vision and passing ability. He’ll still be 6-foot-10. He might even continue to be capable of guarding 1-5.
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey, Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, and Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum all have similar traits. Yet, Simmons is still a one-of-one among that group. Giddey’s defense doesn’t measure up. Exum and Daniels’s passing instincts aren’t as pronounced.
None of them have Simmons’s size, nor have they been as successful.
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