Canberra NBA star Patty Mills has thrown his support behind embattled compatriot Ben Simmons, who advised Boomers coach Brian Goorjian on Tuesday that he was withdrawing from the Tokyo Olympics.
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Simmons confirmed what had been widely expected after the severe media scrutiny he received following on from Philadelphia's shock exit from the NBA playoffs last week, much of which centred on his lowly 33 per cent performance from the free-throw line.
He intends to use the NBA off season to focus on "individual skill development".
"The number one fact and characteristic of our group is how we support each other through the good, bad and ugly, whatever it may be, and Ben isn't an exception to that," Mills said.
"No matter what he does, myself and the team will continue to support him because this is a safe place - everyone needs to know and understand that now more than ever, we need to support Ben on his journey.
"As a teammate, as a fan and as a supporter, we all want to see our best players putting on the green and gold. To be able to share the court with Benny at some stage in the green and gold is something I am always going to look forward to and unfortunately now is not going to be the time, and that is okay."
Speculation has been rife since the 76ers' playoff exit that Simmons won't be at Philadelphia next season.
Head coach Doc Rivers spent much of the season defending the Australian's supposed offensive frailties, but seemed to adjust his opinion in the wake of that playoff series lost when asked if Simmons could be the point guard on a championship winning team.
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"I don't know that question or the answer to that right now," Rivers replied.
Simmons has been linked to a number of NBA rivals but the 76ers are yet to decide whether to keep one of their highest-prized assets, or trade him out.
In the meantime, Boomers coach Goorjian will offer Simmons support where necessary and said he would always be welcomed back into the Australian side with open arms.
"The Boomers are always here for him. We wanted him to know that in his time of need, the culture and the guys here are behind him and support him," Goorjian said.
"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.
"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.
"The best thing for everybody right now is for him to go on and develop that skill package and improve in a couple of areas for his next season in the NBA."
Goorjian will name his final 12-man Olympics squad in early July.