Simmons has not played for the national team since he was left off the roster to play at the 2014 FIBA World Championships,although he has remained in contact with his teammates and trained with the side in the lead-up to the games against Team USA at Marvel Stadium in 2019.

Last week it emerged Simmons was doubtful to join the Australian line-up and would focus on skill development instead,setting off speculation about what the Philadelphia 76ers playmaker planned to do in the shortened NBA off-season after they were eliminated by the Atlanta Hawks.

Goorjian has been working on plans for the team that involve Simmons and plans that don’t,as there was always the prospect he could miss due to injury,illness or fatigue.

Boomer Patty Mills expressed his support for Simmons.

“The number one fact and characteristic of our group is how we support each other through the good,bad and ugly,whatever it may be,and Ben isn’t an exception to that. No matter what he does,myself and the team will continue to support him because this is a safe place – everyone needs to know and understand that now more than ever,we need to support Ben on his journey,” Mills said.

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