Open-door policy helped pave way for Ben Simmons to rejoin Boomers

"I'd also like to announce I will be a Boomer for the upcoming events so stay tuned," Simmons said via his official social media accounts. He used his Weibo account in China to further spread the news, as it will host the World Cup.

Now 22, Simmons first played for the Boomers as a 16-year-old against New Zealand in 2013, making a steal and dunk in his first game while playing alongside fellow teenager Dante Exum.

Last winter, Simmons feared he may not be able to commit to this year’s FIBA World Cup campaign due to contract talks with the Philadelphia 76ers and his shoe deal with Nike, in addition to the need to work on his game ahead of his third NBA season.

He was already pencilling in time to play at the Tokyo Olympics but recently a path forward appeared for Simmons to take up the chance to face Team USA in his home town of Melbourne, followed by the trip to the World Cup.

China is the biggest shoe market in the world outside of the US and is fast becoming the biggest basketball nation as well.

Now Simmons can have the best of both worlds, with a homecoming in Melbourne against the US and then the chance to make his name while potentially helping his country to a first senior men's medal at the World Cup.

Boomers coach Andrej Lemanis and assistant coach Luc Longley have constantly kept open communications with all the players who are based overseas.

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Longley spent years with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls so he knows what it is like to be in the spotlight and this has informed how the Boomers have handled Simmons as he rose from young talent to NBA All-Star.

"The important thing is to have a conversation, a relationship and let them know we love them and the door is open and when you are ready to step through it we will welcome you with open arms," Lemanis said.

"What can we do for you? What do you need from us? There is never any pressure on it. The environment has changed even in my time with it as in the number of guys in that NBA landscape and all the challenges that come with being in that environment, the media scrutiny, the pressure from the NBA clubs and what sponsors need.

"We understand all that. We get it and we don’t put pressure on you to play. When the time is right then the time right and we'd love to have you."

The Boomers are likely to announce an extended squad for World Cup preparations next week and most of the team's NBA players have committed, even with a couple facing contract concerns and family commitments.

Exum is not expected to play after injury hassles during this past NBA season, Aron Baynes is out of contract in the NBA but expected to play, while Mitch Creek is an uncertain starter as he is still sorting out his off-season as he chases another NBA season.

In the background, Lemanis has a group of NBL-based players desperate to play if any places open up as they went through qualifying in Asia with just one loss. The likes of Nick Kay and Nathan Sobey would be front of the line due to their consistent form.

Lemanis and his staff regularly watch Simmons play for the Philadelphia 76ers and he also wonders how they will make best use of Simmons and his unique talents.

But don't be surprised if Simmons spends a good chunk of time at point guard or at least as the main ball-handler, hopefully opening up shots for the likes of Patty Mills.

"There is no doubt he prefers playing at the one [point guard] spot – a [208 centimetre] one-man who is awesome in transition with the ball in his hands," Lemanis said.

"What was evident when we brought him in for the Oceania championships in 2013 was his basketball IQ and how he sees the game and passes the basketball.

"So I think that will fit nicely in the Boomers' environment. If you come in with a team-first attitude and everyone shares the ball it makes a difference. We saw that in 2016 when 'Boges' [Andrew Bogut] joined the team and suddenly the offence looked way smoother.

"Those shooters love it, they salivate off it and Ben will give us another dynamic option as he can create so much for himself and others."