Philadelphia 76ers reigning Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons has recently cast a shadow on his intention to represent his nation of Australia in the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Speaking to Roy Ward of The Age, Simmons was non-committal, and instead put emphasis in his preparation for the upcoming NBA season.

“Day by day, honestly, I’m getting ready for the [NBA] season – and then whatever happens, happens,” Simmons said when questioned about his participation in next summer's World Cup in China.

Nevertheless, the 6-foot-10 guard/forward made it abundantly clear that he has no intention to completely turn his back on his countrymen. Simmons assured the nation that he will be suiting up for the Australian Boomers in the 2020 Summer Olympics.

“I definitely want to represent Australia in the Olympics, in the future,” guaranteed Simmons.

For most NBA players, winning a gold medal in the Olympics holds more bearing than winning the FIBA World Cup. Team USA practically sent their “B Team” to the last edition of the World Cup in 2014, when the likes of LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard, and LaMarcus Aldridge all withdrew themselves from consideration.

Nevertheless, Team USA still took home the 2014 World Cup title behind the heroics of tournament MVP Kyrie Irving. He was also helped along the way by the likes of Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, James Harden, and DeMarcus Cousins, to name a few. That's quite a “B Team.”

Unfortunately for Australia, their player pool drastically pales in comparison to that of the United States. Despite a handful of NBA stars in the mix like Joe Ingles, Patty Mills, and Aron Baynes, Simmons figures to be the team's best player by a long shot.

The whole nation is hoping that Simmons stays true to his word, as they dream of taking home a medal in the 2020 Olympics.