The Boomers will be without Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles for this year's Rio Olympics qualifying series against New Zealand's Tall Blacks.
Ingles was expected to be part of a formidable Australian men's basketball squad which could include fellow NBA players Andrew Bogut, Patty Mills, Aron Baynes, Matthew Dellavedova, Dante Exum and Cameron Bairstow.
But Ingles announced on Thursday he would rest when the Jazz's season concludes on April 15.
"I believe that a summer of rest is the best thing for my basketball career and will also ensure that I am in peak condition to fully dedicate myself to my team and country as we pursue a medal at the Rio Olympics," Ingles said.
Boomers head coach Andrej Lemanis supported the decision.
"As an entire team we believe that Joe taking this time off from on court duties with the national team will best position us for the success we seek at the Olympics," Lemanis said.
New Zealand, featuring Oklahoma City Thunder centre Steven Adams, won't be a pushover in the two-game series.
Ingles has been a member of the Boomers since 2008.
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