Ben Simmons urged to join NBL to pursue Olympic dream

Former NBA player Ben Simmons is being urged to join the Australian National Basketball League to revive his professional career ^[1].

A return to the NBL could provide a structured path for Simmons to regain his form and fitness. This move is seen as a critical step for the athlete to secure a berth on the Australian Olympic basketball team ^[1].

Simmons has remained largely absent from professional competition, leading to speculation about his future in the sport. The push for him to return to Australia suggests that local league play is viewed as the most viable environment for his comeback ^[2]. By competing in the NBL, Simmons would be under the direct observation of national team selectors while acclimating to professional play again.

The ambition to represent Australia at the Olympics serves as a primary motivator for this potential transition ^[1]. While his time in the NBA was marked by both high potential and significant absences, a return to his home country could shift the narrative surrounding his career ^[2].

League officials and basketball analysts said that the NBL's competitive nature would challenge Simmons to prove his readiness for international play. The transition would require a commitment to a rigorous schedule, and a willingness to integrate into a team system after years of individual struggle ^[1].

If Simmons accepts the invitation to join the NBL, it would mark one of the most high-profile returns to the league in recent years. The move would not only impact the Australian national team's depth, but also provide a significant commercial boost to the local competition ^[2].