Time for Simmons to make Boomers call: Luc Longley

Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons needs to determine the direction of his international future. (AP PHOTO)

Now is the time for Ben Simmons to determine whether he wants to have an international career, says Boomers legend Luc Longley ahead of the Paris Olympics.

And despite Australia striking out at the 2023 World Cup amid a period of roster transition, Longley believes a second Olympic medal is "just as likely as anything" at the Games in France.

Brooklyn guard Simmons returned to the court last month after missing 12 weeks with a nerve impingement, the latest in a string of injuries that have sidelined him since leaving Philadelphia in 2022.

Ben Simmons (left).
Simmons (left) has been in fine form since returning to NBA action with the Nets last month.

Those health issues forced Simmons out of last year's World Cup, where he had looked set to end an absence from the national set-up that dates back to 2013.

Simmons missed the 2016 Olympics to focus on preparations for his NBA rookie season, and the 2020 Games to practise his shooting following a tough patch during the 2020/21 play-offs.

But the 27-year-old, known for his play-making and defensive IQ, has looked back to his best since returning for the Nets.

NBA great Longley, an assistant coach at the Boomers between 2013 and 2019, said Simmons needed to end the suspense over whether he  wants to play for Australia.

"Now is probably the time for him to either get on with it, or not. We'll see," he told AAP at the launch of the Hahn Half Court, Half Pub experience in Sydney.

"He's said he wants to play for a long time, it's been about getting his body right and the right opportunity.

"It'd be great to see him in the green and gold."

Luc Longley.
NBA and Australian basketball great Luc Longley, during his time as assistant coach of the Boomers.

Despite boasting a wealth of NBA talent, the Boomers failed to advance past the second round of last year's World Cup.

It became clear the Boomers, who won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, were still adjusting to a transitioning roster.

Young talents Josh Giddey and Josh Green became starters for the first time at a major tournament, while Dyson Daniels and Jack White were new to the set-up.

"What I took from the World Cup is there's a massive change in roster, a bit like what happened when my generation left," said Longley, who represented Australia at three Olympic Games.

With Joe Ingles and Patty Mills in their mid-30s, the Boomers lack an obvious shooting guard around whom to build for the future.

Ben Simmons (right) during a Boomers training camp in 2019.
Ben Simmons (right) during a Boomers training camp in 2019.

Giddey and Simmons, Australia's two highest-profile guards, are both creators rather than prolific scorers but three-time NBA champion Longley remains bullish on the Boomers' chances in Paris.

"Every roster has holes, you just don't see perfect rosters," he said. 

"Everyone's got a need, everyone's always trying to improve their roster.

"International basketball is such a mixed bag of factors: talent, timing, age, and all the things that go into it. 

"I wouldn't want to bet against us, put it that way.

"We're just as likely to get up and get a medal as anything. 

"But as we saw at the World Cup, things have to flow your way a bit as well."

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store