Ben Simmons Boomers Minicamp Opens Road to 2028 Olympics
Ben Simmons will take part fully in a player-led minicamp for Australia’s men’s basketball team this week, and ESPN’s Marc J. Spears first reported the news. Additionally, Simmons will train without restrictions, a sign that his health has improved after years of setbacks.
Furthermore, Simmons hopes to secure a spot on the Boomers roster for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. He represented Australia at the 2013 FIBA Men’s Oceania Championships when he was only 17, but he then missed three consecutive Olympic cycles. Also, Simmons is a Melbourne native, and his connection to the city adds extra motivation for this comeback effort.
The private camp starts Monday in Melbourne, and Simmons reportedly paid his own travel costs to attend. Meanwhile, the effort underscores how much a Boomers return means to him.
Ben Simmons Boomers Minicamp Could Shape His NBA Future
The Philadelphia 76ers selected Simmons with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, yet his career has slowed considerably in recent seasons. For instance, he appeared in just 18 games for the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2024-25 season before sitting out all of 2025-26 while recovering from injuries. Even so, Simmons has said he would rejoin the 76ers for free if given the chance.
Notably, Simmons has not played a full 60-game season since 2018-19 because of ongoing injury issues. However, his godfather David Patrick, who coaches at Arizona State and assists the Australian national team, said Simmons has regained his athleticism.
It remains unclear whether Simmons will return to the NBA next season. Still, healthy teams could offer him a minimum contract if his workouts go well. According to a source who spoke with Spears, a Western Conference team has extended a non-guaranteed camp offer. In addition, several NBA teams have reportedly shown interest in signing him to a low-cost deal once the minicamp concludes.
Ultimately, though, this Melbourne minicamp represents the first real test of whether Simmons can rebuild both his body and his basketball future.
