Canada’s basketball team has only won a single medal in the Olympics since 1936. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, the team will compete for the first time since the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where they finished 7th. Despite their long absence, Canada now stands among the favorites to reach the podium in Paris. This Olympics is their chance to prove their worth on the international stage and aim for gold after a 24-year hiatus.
Team Canada’s Star-Studded Roster Provides Optimism
This year’s Canada roster includes superstars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray, and Dillon Brooks. Gilgeous-Alexander, the team leader, can control the game, having averaged 30.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.2 assists.
Team Canada can also benefit from Dillon Brooks. He is regarded as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, having averaged 12.7 points per game last season. In Canada’s bronze medal game, Dillon Brooks set a FIBA World Cup record for the most points scored in a medal-winning match with 39 points.
The team features one of the NBA’s most promising young players, Andrew Nembhard. Nembhard proved his worth by representing Canada in his second season with the Indiana Pacers. In addition to these stars, the roster includes promising players like Kelly Olynyk, Lugentz Dort, Dwight Powell, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Canada’s Concerns After a Tough Loss
After an 86-72 defeat against Team USA, fans might have concerns about their preparation for the Olympics. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s debut against Team USA ended disappointingly, as he contributed 10 points, four rebounds, and one assist.
His performance drew criticism from NBA insider Joe Viray, who noted Gilgeous-Alexander’s struggles against Jrue Holiday, who recorded 11 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two blocks against Canada.
“Jrue Holiday spends a possession guarding both Jamal and Shai and gets the stop. Special defender,” Viray wrote on X.
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Team Canada’s Strength in Numbers
It’s important to remember that Canada is one of the few countries that can start five current NBA stars. Looking at both the roster and the team’s recent performance, it is anticipated that Canada will secure at least a silver or bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.
Winning gold might be challenging, especially with strong teams like the USA, France, and Serbia in the competition. Team USA is the favorite to win gold this year.
However, Canada also hopes to build on its recent success in capturing a bronze medal by defeating the Americans. This year’s team features eight players from that team.
Canada’s first game in the Paris Olympics is against Greece on Saturday, July 27. Fans are eager to see how the team performs and whether they can start their Paris Olympics’ campaign with a strong victory.
Also Read: Team USA Basketball: Complete Schedule of Games at Paris Olympics 2024.
