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Boomers still on radar for sacked Brown

3 minute read

Basketball Australia is confident Brett Brown will still coach the Boomers at next year's Olympics despite his sacking from NBA club Philadelphia.

Basketball Australia boss Jerril Rechter expects Brett Brown to lead the Boomers at next year's Olympics despite his NBA sacking.

Brown was booted as coach of the Philadelphia 76ers after seven seasons at the helm, just days after his side's meek first-round finals exit.

Announced last year to replace Andrej Lemanis, he is contracted to return to the top job for next year's rescheduled Olympic campaign as well as any lead-up fixtures the Boomers are able to arrange.

Rechter said "nothing had changed" despite his NBA axing.

"Brett is the head coach of the Australian Boomers for the Tokyo Olympics," she told AAP.

"Brett is an experienced campaigner, who has coached at the highest level and on the biggest stage.

"He is passionate about Australian Basketball and has made no secret of his desire to lead the Boomers to international success and we look forward to the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics with much anticipation."

Where Brown lands next could impact his Boomers availability, with the respected coach likely to attract other NBA interest given his rebuilding efforts at the franchise.

Another flow-on factor could be the Olympics availability of Ben Simmons, who played under Brown in Philadelphia but missed the recent finals series through injury.

Simmons was a late withdrawal from the Boomers' World Cup squad last year, the team coming within a basket of claiming a maiden international medal.

With Brown at the helm and Simmons, as well as fellow NBA talents Joe Ingles, Patty Mills and Aron Baynes, in tow they had hoped to finally break the drought in Tokyo.

Next year's schedule also looms as a sticking point for NBA players, with finals due to be played just one month before the Games begin in July.

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