Boomers or not, Bogut gets behind Simmons
ANDREW Bogut says he understands if Australian NBA star Ben Simmons doesn’t play for the Boomers in next year’s World Cup to rest and focus on his big- dollar contract extension with Philadelphia.
Simmons is the only Australian to pledge his commitment to the 2019 World Championships in China.
The 76ers point guard is eligible for a five- year maximum contract extension worth up to a whopping $ 223 million in July 2019.
The reigning NBA rookie of the year is likely to be deep in discussions about his future at the time, meaning he hasn’t yet been willing to commit to playing in the tournament.
Bogut said it would be a shame if Simmons didn’t play in the World Cup but he won’t hold it against the Aussie sensation if he opts out.
“Benny is in a tricky position,” Bogut reasoned.
“He broke his foot in his first year and there have been times in my career in the NBA where the national team took a back step to getting my body right. I know he hasn’t had a break for the past two off- seasons.
“I feel that if he does miss the World Cup, I understand it. People will be disappointed but we haven’t had an answer either way on that.
“I know he is very adamant on the Olympics but as far as the World Cup goes, who knows. But if he doesn’t play, we’ll just have to move on and hope everyone else plays.”
Bogut also endorsed Basketball Australia’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement, which ensures improved travel conditions, better contract provisions and protections.