Sixers' Ben Simmons won't play for Australia in Olympics / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports Credit Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons informed Basketball Australia on Monday that he will not be part of the country's Olympic basketball squad in Tokyo.

2-pointers this season

53%30,3Points made:30,3Accuracy:53,3%Place in standings:8Record max:43Record min:16Most made 2FGs:Joel EmbiidTeamNBAStatisticsSchedule

Simmons told Boomers coach Brian Goorjian that he needs to focus on individual skill development this summer.

"I have spoken with Ben and whilst we wanted him to be a part of our team, we understand and support his decision and he has made it clear that this is something that he wants to be a part of in the future," Goorjian said in a news release.

"It is a pretty rough time for him right now and I know it is something that he wanted to do, but the timing just hasn't worked."

Simmons, who turns 25 next month, came under intense criticism for a woeful performance as the top-seeded 76ers were ousted in the Eastern Conference semifinals by the Atlanta Hawks.

Simmons was just 15 of 45 (33.3 percent) from the free-throw line in the seven-game series and he attempted just 14 shots from the field over the final three games.

Perhaps a telling sign of a loss of confidence occurred late in the Game 7 loss to the Hawks as Simmons found himself wide open at the rim for either a layup or dunk. But he instead passed the ball to double-teamed Matisse Thybulle, who was fouled and split two free throws with 3:29 left before the Hawks scored the next five points en route to winning the series.

Australia guard Patty Mills of the San Antonio Spurs said he understands Simmons' situation and supports his decision.

"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," Mills said. "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."

Sixers coach Doc Rivers said recently he had a plan to help Simmons improve his shooting this offseason. There also is heavy speculation that Philadelphia will entertain shopping Simmons.

Simmons, a three-time All-Star, is a stellar defender who finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting behind Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert.

Simmons' averages of 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists were all the lowest marks of his four NBA seasons.

--Field Level Media

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