Anonymous
Years ago
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2631446-ben-simmons-wont-play-for-australia-at-rio-olympics-comments-reaction
Does this hurt Australia's chances?
The Boomers will do what they always do, win some games they aren't meant too, then lose to a no name team and struggle to get past one of the powerhouse teams in the quarters at best. Although it may not be a popular opinion, the Olympics isn't the amazing aura based thing it once was. Now that the Boomers actually have NBA bound talent, its almost a bit of a nuance to have to cut into off season time to compete in etc hence all the NBA stars who opt out after winning the Gold once or twice.
For Simmons this is a very smart move imo, the hype machine will build once again for him in the next few months and the analysts will watch his every step, what he eats, where he goes, his insta his fb and twitter feeds. If he were to have on bad 5 minute spell against Angola, he could drop low... and as it is he is top 3. Get that guaranteed money young gun, become the best at your trade and there will be plenty of opportunities to play for the Boomers. The Boomers wont be any worse of without you this go around.
but the Olympics are after the draft so it wouldn't affect his stock if he's been drafted already?
Ahh ofcourse, well from a performance point of view wont matter. BUT no team is going to invest a full season or 10 of tanking to get a guy, to then go see him go and due it out with Olympic athletes when he should be getting ready for the main show. Its a selling point from his agent to say to team 'hey we are committed to the NBA dream, you pick this guy, you solely get this guy'.
Teams draft guys based on what they might contribute over the next 10-15 years. One summer playing Olympics wouldn't change that much, if at all. Sounds like it is more about prioritising preparation for the upcoming season over riding the bench for the Olympics.
I disagree with that, NBA teams have made it quietly known they don't want their investments risking injury away from the NBA courts. Either way, very smart business decision by Simmons and co.
Of course not just look at exum. But the risk is very small and would not impact his draft position
ME
(he/kangaroo)
Years ago
He was going to play 5 minutes per game at most. He would actually waste a spot that could be used by a more experienced player.
AKA
Years ago
As Ben is getting ready for the draft with workouts for the teams etc, he wouldn't have been able to attend any of the Boomers camps and is therefore ineligible for selection.
LC
Years ago
There is only 1 Boomers selection camp planned, from 5 July for 10 days.
Aussiebballer
Years ago
I think it is ok for both sides.
The Boomers shouldn't need a 19yr old to help them in the Olympics, he is obviously talented but I doubt he his ready for that level of play yet.
Not saying he would be bad just that some of the more experienced SF options would be just as good or better AT THE MOMENT.
So he will be better off concentrating on his own development in the NBA Summer-League and NBA offseason.
It is best that he made this decision early on and let the Boomer coach know so he can plan the team out accordingly.
You need to be a registered user to post from this location. Register here.
Advertise on Hoops to a very focused, local and sports-keen audience. Email for rates and options.
An Australian basketball forum covering NBL, WNBL, ABL, Juniors plus NBA, WNBA, NZ, Europe, etc | Forum time is: 4:40 pm, Wed 15 Jan 2025 | Posts: 968,026 | Last 7 days: 754
