The Brooklyn Nets have ruled Ben Simmons out for the remainder of the NBA season as his back issues continue to derail what was once a promising career.
This likely has put to bed any chance of the 27-year-old representing the Boomers at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
The Nets have stated that Simmons will consult with specialists and look at different treatment options, as the pinched nerve in his back continues to persist.
The Australian has barely featured in the NBA across the last three seasons, with this back issue lingering.
He played 15 games this season for Brooklyn after just 42 across 2022-2023.
Simmons is owed another $60 million AUD next season from the Nets, with his future in the NBA beyond that in significant doubt.
His agent recently took the blame for his ongoing back issues, saying he pushed for Simmons to explore non-surgical options initially.
"We continue to try and find non-surgical options to allow Ben to move forward on a permanent basis and that is where this is my responsibility and I am (the) one to blame," Lee told Ian Begley of SNY.
"When I began working with Ben I made a commitment to him that I would do everything I could to find the right answers and specialists for him to work with (in order) to move forward from the issues he has been having. Clearly it hasn't happened, and that's my responsibility.
"In the year I have worked with Ben he has taken less than seven days off. In my almost 20 years doing this (it) isn't something I've seen. So the thought that he is doing everything asked of him but not getting the results is something that in no way shape or form sits right with me, and I am committed to finding him the right people and the right answers and we will."
The Boomers will be hoping to win another medal in Paris, backing up their best ever performance in Tokyo three years ago.