Last updated on June 15th, 2024 at 12:04 pm
When Canada Basketball plays in Paris this summer, NBA players like Cory Joseph, Andrew Wiggins, and Trey Lyles won’t be on the roster. Coach Jay Triano stated that it used to be difficult to convince professional players to represent the country. However, that is no longer the case. However, he now has to cut NBA players from the roster.
Canada couldn’t field its best men’s team due to injuries, contracts, or personal issues despite resolving most previous problems.
According to bookie pay per head reports, Canada almost made it to the Olympics in Mexico City in 2015 and 2021 in Victoria. They didn’t make it until Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dominated the FIBA World Cup last summer. Also, he was the most dominant player in the country. The team won bronze and qualified for the Paris Olympics. Other NBA players on the roster included Dillon Brooks, Lu Dort, Kelly Olynyk, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Dwight Powell.
Canada Basketball Returnees
With any luck, seven players from last year’s impressive group—Brooks, Gilgeous-Alexander, RJ Barrett, Dort, Olynyk, Powell, and Alexander-Walker—will return this year. Those players are certain starters for the team. Each nation has a limit of a 12-man squad, leaving five available spaces.
The second-best Canadian player in NBA history, Jamal Murray, should be available and healthy for the first summer in a long time. At the same time, the Indiana Pacers’ unexpectedly strong playoff run makes Andrew Nembhard an ideal backup guard.
Joining Andrew Wiggins in wanting to play is Trey Lyles, a big guy with some floor stretching ability, and head coach Jordi Fernandez, with whom Lyles was an assistant within Sacramento. According to a bookie pay per head blog, Lyles was also on the Canadian national teams in 2015 and in 2021.
The 7’4″ backup center for the squad, Zach Edey, has been a member of this group for years and recently informed us that he “will be there” and should be if given the chance. However, he joined the NBA draft and rookies usually don’t play internationally.
Canadian National Team Hopefuls
Not only is Khem Birch, one of the most dedicated players before injuries struck, fit and eager to play again, but veteran Cory Joseph, captain of Canada before Olynyk, supposedly plans to be at training as well. Joseph’s longtime companion, Tristan Thompson, may also like to attend.
Leonard Miller, a promising young player for the Minnesota Timberwolves, was at training camp last year and is expected to be there this year. Shaedon Sharpe, a star player for the Portland Trail Blazers, has also shown interest.
The veterans presently playing in Europe and who helped Canada reach the World Cup and beyond still need to be addressed. It’s difficult to imagine anyone, especially Ejim, being benched or cut from the team due to his leadership abilities and impact.
Before the Olympics, ensure you know how to make basketball more profitable in your sportsbook. That way, you’ll be earning more even after the NBA Finals.
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