Ben Simmons plans to play in Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons won’t be playing for Australia in the Rio Olympics, but he plans to play in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

There have been plenty of problems with the 2016 Rio Olympics as they draw ever closer, with some suggesting that (while it will never happen) the event should be cancelled altogether. For Australia’s basketball fans, they have the frustration of knowing that the new face of the Philadelphia 76ers and Australian native, Ben Simmons, won’t be representing them in Rio.

He’s the brightest star the team has, possessing sky-high potential thanks to a rare point-forward skill set for someone weighing in at 6-foot-10, 246 pounds at only 20 years old.

However, Tom Moore has reported that while Simmons is still inactive for Rio, he does plan to play in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

Due to his commitment to the 2016 Draft and venture into the NBA, Simmons decided to sit out of this year’s Olympics.

Until 2020, Australia will have to enjoy the rest of the talent their team has to offer, highlighted by the always-hustling Matthew Dellavedova and their star defensive center Andrew Bogut. As NBA champions in the last two seasons, with Delly winning for the Cleveland Cavaliers this year and Bogut winning for the Golden State Warriors in 2015, there’s certainly some experience left on the team.

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A younger talent, point guard Dante Exum, is another player to watch as Australia, known as the Boomers, hope to establish themselves on the world’s biggest stage.

Meanwhile, Ben Simmons’ Summer League highlights will have to do for Aussie basketball fanatics. He’s put on quite the show so far with his pinpoint accurate bounce passes, behind-the-back dimes, and exceptional court vision that few players develop, especially not before they’re old enough to buy a beer.

Of course, he had some turnover issues and his jump shot still has an awfully long way to go if defenses are going to respect his play from the perimeter, but there’s no denying that Simmons is incredibly talented already and has excellent potential as a playmaking triple-double threat.

If he can add consistent jumper and three-point shot to his game as time goes by, which should be achievable judging by his work ethic to improve and add muscle this summer, Ben Simmons can be a real star in the NBA. Heading into 2016, the 76ers have the new face of their franchise.

Hang tight, Australia. Hopefully the 2020 Olympics come round quickly for Simmons’ national opportunity.