Simmons declares he wants to play for Australian Boomers

Ben Simmons' Australian Boomers may be closer than ever before, after the three-time NBA All-Star expressed his desire to don the green and gold.

The 422-game NBA veteran, who missed the 2025-26 NBA season while recovering from ongoing injuries, has not represented his country since the age of 17 and never at a senior level.

But the 30-year-old, who is in Melbourne for the players-only Boomers camp, has made his intentions to change that crystal clear.

"Yeah, that's why I'm here [to play for the Boomers]," Simmons told Channel 9 on Tuesday.

"It's a long way to fly just to not do it."

The 2020 All-NBA Third Team selection, who is one of numerous high-profile Boomers attending this week's Courtside Melbourne camp, is a full participant in training.

"NBA free agent forward Ben Simmons is expected to be a full participant with 'zero restrictions' in a player-led Aussie men's national team mini-camp in Melbourne beginning Monday," Antscape's Marc J. Spears said.

"The three-time NBA All-Star paid his own way to the camp.

"A coach who worked out Simmons recently said he has regained his athleticism.

"The injury-plagued 30-year-old said this is the best he's felt in years."

Other high-profile Boomers reportedly in attendance include Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels, Jock Landale, Patty Mills, Jack McVeigh, Alex Toohey, Lachlan Olbrich, and NBL Next Stars guards Luke Paul and Dash Daniels.