Ben Simmons has committed to representing Australia at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles as he focuses on contributing to the LA Clippers' upcoming postseason run. This will mark his return to international competition for the first time since 2013.
"That's what I've always wanted - to play in the Olympics," Simmons told RG. "If I'm healthy and I'm good to go, then I'll definitely be there."
The announcement follows a significant leadership change for the Boomers, who hired Adam Caporn as head coach. Caporn, currently an assistant with the Washington Wizards, replaces Brian Goorjian, who stepped down after Australia's quarterfinal exit at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Simmons, currently contributing as a playmaker and versatile defender for the Los Angeles Clippers, endorsed the hire.
"I've known [Adam Caporn] for a while, I'm happy for him," Simmons told RG. "He's a great coach and a great person. I'm looking forward to talking to him and getting connected."
Australia's Paris campaign ended in a 95-90 overtime loss to Serbia in the quarterfinals. The Boomers led by as many as 22 points early but couldn't hold off a second-half comeback led by Nikola Jokic. Patty Mills scored 26 points, including a game-tying basket in the final seconds of regulation, while Josh Giddey added 25 in a hard-fought game.
Caporn was part of the Boomers' coaching staff during their bronze-medal achievement at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. He also held the head coach position at Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence, where he coached Giddey and Dyson Daniels. Dean Vickerman has been appointed associate head coach and will fill in during scheduling conflicts.
"It is an incredible honor to be part of the Boomers program," Caporn said. "I'm excited to build a team that will represent Australia with pride and continue the Boomers' legacy."
Caporn plans to contact Simmons and Kyrie Irving before the next Olympic cycle. Irving, born in Melbourne and who holds dual citizenship, is pursuing eligibility to join the Boomers in 2028, pending approval from FIBA and USA Basketball. Daniels welcomed the potential addition.
"Oh yeah, I love it. I love it," Daniels told RG about the possibility of Irving playing for Australia. "I know he wants to do it. We want him to come play for us. There's a lot of stuff that has to get cleared for him to come play, but we welcome him with open arms. He's a brother. He's an Australian."
With Simmons on board as Caporn is set to take over the coaching job, the Boomers are beginning to shape their next chapter ahead of the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar and the 2028 LA Olympics.
Related: Mavericks' Kyrie Irving Pursuing Bold National Team Switch for 2028 Olympics
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This story was originally published March 16, 2025 at 10:39 AM.