Simmons back in Boomers mix

The race to secure a spot on the Boomers’ squad for the Paris Olympics is on – and coach Brian Goorjian says Ben Simmons is very much part of the team's plans.

Simmons has been open about his ambition to finally make his return to the national fold, and his early season NBA form will only add to the conversation. 

Goorjian says the Brooklyn Nets guard will have an important role to fill come the Olympics.

“Simmons and Giddey – that combination – I welcome the challenge,” Goorjian said via CODE Sports.

“So, maybe those two (Simmons and Giddey) ... there is going to have to be adjustments and someone is going to have to play off the ball a little bit ... there is a lot of work to do to get the guys comfortable and playing together.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Boomers coach Brian Goorjian is confident he can integrate Ben Simmons into the Boomers squad for the Paris Olympics – a host of former Aussie greats are not so sure.<br><br>MORE ? <a href="https://t.co/7b5ZmKlFGi">https://t.co/7b5ZmKlFGi</a> <a href="https://t.co/fA3dkJWAIP">pic.twitter.com/fA3dkJWAIP</a></p>&mdash; CodeSports (@codesportsau) <a href="https://twitter.com/codesportsau/status/1720365277618340332?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Giddey looms as the primary ball-handler for the Boomers after a breakout FIBA World Cup tournament. The question now though – will Simmons embrace a role where he's not the main man?

All indications point to a fully invested Simmons come July next year and the Australian team will be much better for it.

Read the full story >> Brian Goorjian backs Ben Simmons Paris Olympic challenge amid Andrew Bogut’s concern