3 minute read
Andrew Bogut has been forced to reassess his retirement plans after a possible Tokyo 2020 Olympics farewell was postponed because of the coronavirus.
Andrew Bogut admits he is unsure if he will extend his career to feature at a fourth Olympics for a Boomers outfit that could benefit from the postponement of this year's Tokyo Games.
The former NBA top draft pick and championship winner will be 36 in November and is off contract following two seasons with Sydney in the NBL.
The coronavirus has now forced Tokyo organisers to push the Games - originally scheduled for July-August - back one year, potentially derailing Bogut's quest to help the Boomers to their first major international tournament medal.
"It's a coin flip at the moment. There's a lot of crazy going on in the world right now," Bogut told The Basketball Show about his 2021 intentions.
"We don't know what's going on - with the NBA, the NBL - it would've been ideal if it was played this year because I'm not getting any younger and it's getting harder and harder to get out of bed every day."
Bogut said he would need "a lot of anti-inflammatories" to make it to Tokyo next year.
Team staples Patty Mills (31), Aron Baynes (33), Joe Ingles (32) and Matthew Dellavedova (29) remain threats after combining with Bogut for a fourth-placed finish at last year's World Cup.
Currently battling a nerve impingement in his lower back, All-Star Ben Simmons has ample time to regain full fitness while fellow NBA guard Dante Exum (ankle) is in a similar boat.
Jock Landale and Nick Kay were the finds of the World Cup in China under former coach Andrej Lemanis, while first-year college talent Josh Green has another year to develop .
Ryan Broekhoff and Jonah Bolden were both waived from their NBA clubs before the season was suspended and could benefit from court time with new clubs, possibly in Europe, early next year.
Simmons' Philadelphia teammate Matisse Thybulle is a dual citizen and has expressed interest in playing for the Boomers, while NBL MVP Bryce Cotton has applied for Australian citizenship.
Thon Maker was just finding his NBA feet with Detroit before the league's shutdown while Europe-based Brock Motum can push his case after being overlooked by Lemanis last year.
Returning coach Brett Brown, under pressure at the helm of Simmons' inconsistent 76ers this season, may also be better-prepared for the national role.
"Do not be discouraged by this adversity," Patty Mills said of the Olympic postponement.
"The commitment to our country and this team remains consistent.
"Just regroup, regather and adjust your preparation plans, stay positive and stay strong and lean on each other for support if needed."
POSSIBLE 2021 BOOMERS 18-MAN SQUAD: Andrew Bogut (current age 35), Aron Baynes (33), Joe Ingles (32), Patty Mills (31), Ben Simmons (23), Matthew Dellavedova (29), Jock Landale (24), Ryan Broekhoff (29), Dante Exum (24), Brock Motum (29), Thon Maker (23), Matisse Thybulle (23), Chris Goulding (31), Mitch Creek (27), Nick Kay (27), Bryce Cotton (27), Josh Green (19), Jonah Bolden (24).
