76ers star Ben Simmons, also declined from Australia's exhibition games

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Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons will also be absent from Australia's game-exhibition games in preparation for the FIBA ​​World Cup.

The Melbourne-born star at the World Cup in China, which will start on August 31, will also retire to prepare for the next NBA season.

"After talking with (Australia) coach Andrej (Lemanis), 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 utmost importance.

"Me not playing allows the team to create the chemistry they need to compete at the highest level and qualify for the Olympics."

The top seven finishers of the World Cup will automatically enter the Tokyo Olympics, while the next 16 will qualify for the qualifying tournaments.