"Even his own country don't claim him" - Ben Simmons trolled after Boomers World Cup squad snub

Australia has released their preliminary squad for the upcoming FIBA World Cup, but Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets was not a part of it. Boomers coach Brian Goorjian teased Simmons possible inclusion last week, but it seems like the player is not joining the squad for the tournament.

In an interview with SEN Radio last week, Goorjian discussed Simmons' progress from his rehabilitation. The Nets shut down Simmons in late March due to back and knee issues. He underwent back surgery last summer, and it seems like he's not back to his full health almost a year into his recovery.

"I think his mindset is getting healthy, getting in shape and getting ready to play in this (World Cup)," Goorjian said. "And I think he has been along that line for a while, and I felt it last time. As we sit now, I think there is a really strong chance." (h/t ESPN).

Australia's squad is headlined by several active NBA players, like Patty Mills, Josh Giddey, Josh Green, Matisse Thybulle, Matthew Dellavedova, Dyson Daniels, Xavier Cooks, Jock Landale, Jack White and Joe Ingles. Former NBA players Dante Exum and Thon Makaer are also part of the squad.

Fans on social media quickly noticed that Simmons was not picked by the Boomers. They went on to troll him, who has not been doing great over the last few year in terms of basketball.

One fan thinks Australia is so sick of Simmons that they disowned him:

"Even his own country don't claim him."

Here are other hilarious comments and reactions to Simmons' exclusion from Australia preliminary World Cup squad:

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Boomers coach open to Ben Simmons' return for World Cup

Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets

Despite not being included in Australia's preliminary squad for the 2023 World Cup, Boomers coach Brian Goorjian has opened the door for Ben Simmons to make the roster.

Goorjian told SEN Radio that Simmons is working to get healthy in time for their training camp in Cairns.

"We've made a spot for him if he's available by the time of the Cairns camp," Goorjian said. "He definitely wants to be a part of this and is working right now to get healthy. The communication's been good; he's in that frame of mind of wanting to be a part of this. He's just trying to get healthy." (h/t NBL.com.au)

Ben Simmons is open to returning to play for the national team, and it seems like he's targeting this year's World Cup for it.

"I'm currently rehabilitating my back injury and putting my full effort and focus towards that," Simmons told The Herald Sun. "I love what coach Goorjian is building with the Boomers, and I look forward to being a part of the programme in the future."