Ben Simmons isn’t worried about facing a star-studded U.S. roster led by LeBron James during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In an interview with Nine Sports World, Simmons welcomed the challenge of going up against James.
“Fuck it, let’s go play,” he said. “That’s it.”
The Brooklyn Nets forward announced that he will play for Australia next summer, the first time he has done so since entering the NBA in 2016 (Nine’s Wide World of Sports’ Chris De Silva reports).
“I’ve said it before, I’m 100 percent committed to this Olympics,” the Melbourne native said.
Simmons will join an Australian team that could feature NBA talent like Josh Guiddy, Joe Ingles, Patty Mills, Josh Green and Matisse Thybulle.
The U.S. finished a shocking fourth place at the 2023 FIBA World Cup but lacked a superstar on the roster, with James reportedly “ready to contribute” next summer (via Shams Charania of The Athletic ).
This will be the 38-year-old’s first Olympic appearance since 2012. Kevin Durant also announced his intention to join the team, as the former MVP is part of the United States’ 2020 gold medal-winning roster.
Four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry is also interested, according to ESPN’s Kendra Andrews.
“I want to play,” Curry said. “It’s one thing I haven’t done yet…I definitely want to be there. I want to be on the team.”
Reigning league MVP Joel Embiid also announced his commitment to Team USA.
While Simmons’ confidence is admirable, it’s hard to imagine Australia beating the United States at the 2024 Olympics.