Ben Simmons will not play in the Tokyo Olympics for Australia’s men’s basketball team, the Philadelphia 76ers All-Star said Tuesday.
Simmons told Australia head coach Brian Goorjian that he is focusing on “individual skill development,” according to a Basketball Australia press release.
“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, according to the 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.