Bogut on Simmons' NBA and Boomers future

One of Australia's greatest ever players, Andrew Bogut, believes Ben Simmons still has a key role to play with the Boomers in the coming years.

The 30-year-old is yet to play with his country at senior level, but his appearance at a mini-camp in Melbourne alongside fellow Australian stars this week has ignited talk of a comeback.

Simmons also told 9 News he was keen to represent the Boomers as preparations ramp up for the FIBA World Cup in 2027, despite not playing at any level for a year and a half.

"I hope he makes a comeback and gets back out there in the NBA and hopefully for the Boomers, one day," Bogut told CODE Sports.

"Multi-positional player and he's elite defensively and can really cause issues at the offensive end, too - when he's in the right mindset."

Bogut joins a host of familiar names throwing their support behind the three-time NBA All-Star's return, with Boomers coach Adam Caporn a key voice.

"If you ask me, 'do I see a potential for him to be a Boomer?' - absolutely," Caporn said earlier this week.

NBA gun and former NBL Next Star Josh Giddey is also backing the 2018 Rookie of the Year to get back to the elite level.

"He (Simmons) looks really good. He's obviously stayed in shape and has been working out," Giddey told Channel 9.

"I think he'll be back there [in the NBA next season], as that's where he deserves to be."

Read the full story here >> 'Different in a great way': Inside Ben Simmons' surprise Boomers return as NBA verdict delivered