NBA superstar Ben Simmons has withdrawn from Australia’s exhibition matches against the USA and Canada in a blow to the Boomers and local fans.

Simmons had already withdrawn from the World Cup squad but planned to play in the four warm-up games next month.

However Basketball Australia announced that after discussions with coach Andrej Lemanis he would no longer take part in the exhibition matches.

The BA statement suggested Simmons was forced to withdraw because of other “professional obligations”.

“During the past week Ben Simmons has experience how quickly the modern day world for elite athletes can change,” the statement said.

“Dealing with the complexities of professional obligations can reduce their capacity to embrace all of their preferred commitments.

“Ben has made no secret of his desire to be a Boomer. He also knows the Boomers team has a unique bond and being with them is special.”

With the likes of LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook and Jimmy Butler, never considering playing in the exhibition and a string of top stars then pulling the pin, Simmons was left as the biggest drawcard for Aussie fans.

The only All-NBA player left on the team USA squad is Boston’s Kemba Walker.

Simmons’ withdrawal has left Aussie basketball commentators with a “bitter” taste in their mouths — and others demanding refunds after the anticipated star-studded showdown in Melbourne aganst the United States continued to descend further into farce.

Ben Simmons has withdrawn from all Australian Boomers games this year including the Team USA games. BA has put out a statement saying he faced "professional obligations". Bitter blow for fans, Ben and the Boomers. #FIBAWC #NBA — Roy Ward (@rpjward) July 27, 2019

At this rate we'll have to get some AFL players with basketball backgrounds to play the exhibition match. Lucky we have a few... surely no Ben Simmons = refund. Getting ridonc now. — Jacqui Reed (@JacquiReed10) July 27, 2019

Ben Simmons playing for the Boomers pic.twitter.com/9PGR4sGyi1 — Tyson Beck (@tysonbeckdesign) July 27, 2019

Simmons’ decision not to play the World Cup, beginning at the end of August, followed NBA superstar Anthony Davis’ decision to pull out of Team USA’s campaign earlier this month.

Simmons and Davis are both managed by Klutch Sports agent Rich Paul, who also advises LeBron James.

He said he made the final decision to walk away completely from the Boomers’ 2019 campaign after speaking with Boomers coach Andrej Lemanis.

“After talking with coach Andrej, we both agreed it was better for me to not participate in this year’s 2019 World Cup and exhibition games,” Simmons said.

“With our focus being to win a medal at the 2020 Olympics, the Boomers’ preparation in the lead up to the world championships is of the utmost importance and me not playing allows the team to create the chemistry they need to compete at the highest level and qualify for the Olympics.

“I want to thank Basketball Australia for their continued support and I’m committed and excited to compete in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.”

Despite Simmons’ declaration, his participation at the Olympics is now up in the air.

Lemanis said he can only hope Simmons is available next year.

“It’s been a pleasure working with Ben and his team as we’ve navigated our way through what is a complex environment,” Lemanis said.

“Ben is a proud Australian who is committed to playing for his country.

“As a team, we support Ben wholeheartedly and look forward to him being around the group when commitments allow.

“It will be great for all of us to continue to build our relationship with him and we hope that he will be able to join the group in a bigger role next year.”

Senior Boomer Patty Mills said that the team understood the decision for Simmons not to play.

“We as his teammates respect his decision and we understand his situation has changed,” Mills said in the statement.

“We appreciate his continued support and willingness to still be a valuable part of the team as we prepare for our ultimate goal of winning a medal at the World Champs for the first time.”

Simmons earlier confirmed his decision not to play at the Wold Cup via a statement through his own personal Twitter account. At the time he still hoped to play in the exhibition matches on home soil.

“I wanted to let everyone know that after consulting with my representation, I’ve made the difficult decision to forego playing in the World Cup in China this summer,” the statement read.

“I will still be heading back home to Australia to host my camps as well as train and play with the Boomers in the upcoming exhibition games. I’m really excited about the talent we have on the Boomers squad, especially moving closer to 2020 where I will be honoured and humbled to represent my country on the world’s biggest sporting stage at the Olympics in Tokyo.

“Ultimately we decided it was best that I use the time in September to return to Philadelphia to acquaint myself with my new teammates and prepare for the upcoming NBA season.

“I appreciate Basketball Australia for their support and understanding. I look forward to working with the Boomers coaches and teammates over the next few weeks to start working towards our ultimate team goal of winning a medal at the Olympics.”

Simmons earlier this month signed a five-year, $170 million ($241.6 million AUD) contract extension with the Philadelphia 76ers.

A replacement for Simmons in the 18-man squad will be announced on Monday.

— with AAP