Team Canada Basketball Thread V3.0

[Yeezus_]

On the Hoops Collective podcast with Brian Windhorst they were talking about tanking teams and OKC was being discussed. Brian mentioned even though SGA is “injured” for the rest of the season that he intends to play for Team Canada at the qualifiers along with Dort. It was a fairly short (10-15 second discussion) but good to hear.

[mojo13]

On the Hoops Collective podcast with Brian Windhorst they were talking about tanking teams and OKC was being discussed. Brian mentioned even though SGA is “injured” for the rest of the season that he intends to play for Team Canada at the qualifiers along with Dort. It was a fairly short (10-15 second discussion) but good to hear.

I just listened to it and it sounded semi tongue and cheek. But who knows...hopefully it was serious and they know more than we do.
At the 25:50 mark if anyone is interested. Tuesday’s podcast.


Huge news with Birch!
I have him as a top 2 big with Olynyk right now. He’s one for our very few bigs with defensive size and strength, offering decent rim protection and is fantastic at so many of the little things helping opening the floor for teammates. Good to see raptor fans finally seeing what he can do. I think I’d take Birch over TT if I had to choose, but we really need at least one of those two maybe both.

And dont forget he is our most FIBA experienced NBA big spending two full seasons in Europe.

Most importantly this tells the rest of the guys what’s up. Huge message to all Canadian NBA players and hopefully pulls others in.

[Kenter16]

Mark Daigneault said something similar. Something like, SGA has a big summer ahead of him with the possibility Olympics, so we won't rush him back...

Where's there's smoke there's fire... Hopefully

Sent from my SM-G973W using RealGM mobile app

[mojo13]

With Khem Birch saying he is playing - maybe it is time to keep a running list of where the key players are at?

Feel free to change the format and add names.

Currently Out of Playoffs:
Khem Birch: Free agent, but directly stated he is playing
Chris Boucher: No news
NAW: No news
Lu Dort: Indirect reports that he intends to play.
SGA: Possible injury. Indirect reports that he intends to play.
Cory Joseph: Partial guarantee. No news
Kelly Olynyk: Free agent. Directly stated he wants to play, but unsure.
Mfiondu Kabengele: No news
Nate Darling: No news


Currently In Playoffs:
Dillon Brooks: No news, likely intends to play.
Brandon Clarke: Directly stated he is interested in playing
RJ Barrett: Directly stated he intends to play (if available)
Tristan Thompson: No news
Dwight Powell: No news
Trey Lyles: Free agent, No news
Andrew Wiggins: No news. Direct reports from Nurse that they are talking
Mychal Mulder: No news
Oshae Brisset: No news

Injured:
Jamal Murray: Out
Tyler Ennis: Out?

Non-NBA:
Kevin Pangos: No news
Kyle Wiltjer: No news
Dyshawn Pierre: No news
Melvin Ejim: No news
Marial Shayok: No news
Phil Scrubb: No news
Thomas Scubb: No news
Andrew Nicholson: No news
Dylan Ennis: No news
Nik Stauskas: No news
Anthony Bennett: No news

[frumble]

Mojo,
Thanks for putting this list together.

Re Dort, a Sportsnet article from April quotes him as having said:

“For Team Canada I'm looking to tryout and make the team this summer, and to compete and to qualify for the Olympics,”
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/nba-players-suit-team-canada-summer/

[Kenter16]

With Khem Birch saying he is playing - maybe it is time to keep a running list of where the key players are at?

Feel free to change the format and add names.

Currently Out of Playoffs:
Khem Birch: Free agent, but directly stated he is playing
Chris Boucher: No news
NAW: No news
Lu Dort: Indirect reports that he intends to play.
SGA: Possible injury. Indirect reports that he intends to play.
Cory Joseph: Partial guarantee. No news
Kelly Olynyk: Free agent. Directly stated he wants to play, but unsure.
Mfiondu Kabengele: No news
Nate Darling: No news


Currently In Playoffs:
Dillon Brooks: No news, likely intends to play.
Brandon Clarke: Directly stated he is interested in playing
RJ Barrett: Directly stated he intends to play (if available)
Tristan Thompson: No news
Dwight Powell: No news
Trey Lyles: Free agent, No news
Andrew Wiggins: No news. Direct reports from Nurse that they are talking
Mychal Mulder: No news
Oshae Brisset: No news

Injured:
Jamal Murray: Out
Tyler Ennis: Out?

Non-NBA:
Kevin Pangos: No news
Kyle Wiltjer: No news
Dyshawn Pierre: No news
Melvin Ejim: No news
Marial Shayok: No news
Phil Scrubb: No news
Thomas Scubb: No news
Andrew Nicholson: No news
Dylan Ennis: No news
Nik Stauskas: No news
Anthony Bennett: No news

NAW has been open about playing for Canada in the past. I think he is in.

Boucher stated before the season started that he was going to play. “For sure,” Boucher said earlier this week of possibly playing in the OQT. “If I get the invite, I’ll be there.” Things change, but he should be there unless his knee is bugging him. He did play yesterday. Early reports are that he is out tomorrow. This could just be because its a nothing game, so why push a guy back from injury.
Brooks made similar comments at the being of the season. “I’m going to play for Team Canada because, you know, I missed out this year and I really want to play and make it to the Olympics." Only way he doesn't play is if the Griz win a couple rounds. I would bet all your money that they won't.

I have these as very high probability of playing.

Joseph is a little troubling. Obviously the option will come into play, but he is also banged up.
"Joseph (ankle) will not be available for Tuesday's game against Minnesota.
The Pistons don't want to risk winning any games this week, so it would be a surprise if Joseph -- along with most of the team's other regulars -- ends up playing in any of the final three games" From CBS.
Hopefully its more of a tanking thing than a injury.

[TrueNorth31]

Here's the full Olynyk interview from the local Kamloops paper. He's getting married , but not until next summer.

Watch on YouTube

;ab_channel=KamloopsLastWeek

[TrueNorth31]

ESPN has it's 2022 mock draft posted.

https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/31402210/2022-nba-lottery-picks-sleepers-iverson-classic

- Houstan #9

- Mathurin # 20

- Andrew Nembhard # 36

No Primo who may/not enter this year's draft and would probably be in the mix.

I hope a few of these guys decide to showcase themselves at the World U19 tournament this summer. The only one who has said he's going is Ryan Nembhard. Given the World U17 was cancelled last year we may have better turn out than in other years with essentially 2 player age groups (2002/2003 ) wanting perhaps some more exposure.

Yes, let's hope. My "dream team" starting five would probably be something like:

Nembhard/Primo
Mathurin
Houstan
O-Max
Edey

And coming from the bench:

Nembhard/Primo
Clayton
Sharpe
Fisher
Lestin
Bediako
Boakye/Brown


Also, the U16 FIBA Americas has been postponed to August. We'll see if it happens then because the FIBA Europe competitions (U16, U18, and U20) have all been canceled again this year.

Thanks, we'll have to see how it all shapes up.

[Alfred]

Hey, I've sent a PM to you guys. They're both sitting in my outbox, so I don't think either have been read. Let me know what you think!

[Hair Canada]

Bleacher Report's Wasserman:

Alabama's Joshua Primo Gaining Steam as Potential First-Rounder

Alabama's fifth-leading scorer at just 8.1 points per game, Joshua Primo is testing the NBA draft process. And despite the lack of production, there is belief among scouts that he could keep his name in and draw first-round interest.

We hadn't talked about Primo much this year, given his limited role and the perception that he wasn't a one-and-done prospect. But there is the interesting notion of predrafting—discussed here by PD Web—which means if a team thinks a player will be a first-rounder one year from now, it makes sense to buy low and early now, keep him in the organization's developmental system and remain patient for a year or two.

As a 6'6" shooter, Primo's archetype and potential trajectory are appealing. And he'll be the youngest player in the class, not turning 19 until next Christmas Eve.

He spent the season in the half court spotting up (77 possessions), receiving just 27 pick-and-roll ball-handling possessions and 14 out of isolation. But he was efficient in his simplified, off-ball role, ranking in the 93rd percentile out of spot-ups while converting nine of 10 cuts to the basket.

Primo shot 38.1 percent from three with a convincing stroke and rhythm stepping into jumpers.

But a good portion of the love for the Canadian guard comes from pre-college flashes that he wasn't able to showcase behind Jaden Shackelford, Jahvon Quinerly, John Petty Jr. and Herbert Jones. Primo was a standout at 2020 Basketball Without Borders, where he was given more chances to create and operate off the dribble in front of scouts.

Already envisioning a solid foundation based on Primo's size, shooting and age, NBA teams could see a low-risk gamble and bet that his low-usage role (17.6 percent) masked more scoring potential. He's looking like a strong candidate to trend and rise over the next two months, assuming he doesn't abruptly withdraw from the draft.

[TrueNorth31]

I see the women's team will not be training in Edmonton in the coming weeks. Covid is red hot in Alberta currently so I can see why they will train now in Tampa. The Raptors and MLSE have stepped up and will supply practice facilities . I imagine being in Florida will also expedite vaccination efforts.

https://www.basketball.ca/news/20-athletes-invited-to-attend-senior-womens-national-team-americup-training-camp?mc_cid=d0803e8452&mc_eid=2c522c1b41

[TrueNorth31]

Bleacher Report's Wasserman:

Alabama's Joshua Primo Gaining Steam as Potential First-Rounder

Alabama's fifth-leading scorer at just 8.1 points per game, Joshua Primo is testing the NBA draft process. And despite the lack of production, there is belief among scouts that he could keep his name in and draw first-round interest.

We hadn't talked about Primo much this year, given his limited role and the perception that he wasn't a one-and-done prospect. But there is the interesting notion of predrafting—discussed here by PD Web—which means if a team thinks a player will be a first-rounder one year from now, it makes sense to buy low and early now, keep him in the organization's developmental system and remain patient for a year or two.

As a 6'6" shooter, Primo's archetype and potential trajectory are appealing. And he'll be the youngest player in the class, not turning 19 until next Christmas Eve.

He spent the season in the half court spotting up (77 possessions), receiving just 27 pick-and-roll ball-handling possessions and 14 out of isolation. But he was efficient in his simplified, off-ball role, ranking in the 93rd percentile out of spot-ups while converting nine of 10 cuts to the basket.

Primo shot 38.1 percent from three with a convincing stroke and rhythm stepping into jumpers.

But a good portion of the love for the Canadian guard comes from pre-college flashes that he wasn't able to showcase behind Jaden Shackelford, Jahvon Quinerly, John Petty Jr. and Herbert Jones. Primo was a standout at 2020 Basketball Without Borders, where he was given more chances to create and operate off the dribble in front of scouts.

Already envisioning a solid foundation based on Primo's size, shooting and age, NBA teams could see a low-risk gamble and bet that his low-usage role (17.6 percent) masked more scoring potential. He's looking like a strong candidate to trend and rise over the next two months, assuming he doesn't abruptly withdraw from the draft.

I imagine Primo will be making the rounds with NBA teams now and will not be available for the World U19's.

[Hair Canada]

So I know it's the end of the season, which often comes with some inflated stats for marginal rotation players. Still, nice to see our guys balling:

Olynyk (20-9-11) missing a triple-double by one rebound in a win over the Clippers. Really hope he can somehow make it to Victoria.

NAW with 30 points. Not a great game by him I thought, but he can score and can be a nice piece from the bench for Team Canada.

Mulder with a career-high 28 (7-13 from 3). Is he our best pure shooter? With Heslip retired and Stauskas fading out, there might be a spot for him on the team.

And Brazdeikis also with a career-high -- 21 points. He's playing in a very weak Orlando but might still be able to impress enough to get another chance next year.

[Kenter16]

http://www.fiba.basketball/oqt/canada/2020/news/china-s-27-player-training-camp-roster-loaded-with-stars-and-prospects-in-preparation-for-victoria


China has release their training camp roster for the OQT.

Sent from my SM-G973W using RealGM mobile app

[mojo13]

Not the most encouraging stuff from SGA today. At least it is still a maybe.

Read on Twitter

?s=20

Read on Twitter

?s=20

[Kenter16]

Not the most encouraging stuff from SGA today. At least it is still a maybe.

Read on Twitter

?s=20

Read on Twitter

?s=20

I think that means he's out of the OQT, but would be available in a couple months for the Olympics.

[mojo13]

Tough to argue with you on SGA, but I’m gonna keep an optimists eye.

So...if SGA doesn’t end up playing we should talk a little more about the PG position. Still not hearing much about CoJo and despite his history with Team Canada almost making him a sure thing, the contract concerns do make him an uncertainty.

Kevin Pangos looks to be in top form and I’d be very comfortable with him as the starting PG in Victoria. There is even a chance he could guide this team better than CoJo - offensively at least. And despite being targeted in the EuroLeague, Pangos looked like he held his own defensively late in the season and into the playoffs. Larkin and Satoransky are a threat, but I think he can hold up to Calathes and Sloukas.

What do you guys think of NAWs PG abilities? I admittedly didn’t watch him too much this season. Would he be a solid lead PG or he better suited as a combo guard and back up PG? I know he was getting some PG starts at the end of the year but that was with Bledsoe next to him.

[aminiaturebuddha]

What do you guys think of NAWs PG abilities? I admittedly didn’t watch him too much this season. Would he be a solid lead PG or he better suited as a combo guard and back up PG? I know he was getting some PG starts at the end of the year but that was with Bledsoe next to him.

I probably only saw about 8 Pelicans games this year, but they were all ones where NAW was playing (I tuned in specifically for him).

NAW has some ability and sees the floor well, but I still don't see him as a natural point guard. I think with the short practice timeframe, it'll be hard for him to get comfortable enough with his teammates tendencies and running a system to be counted on as the lead guard for the team. I would definitely start Pangos over him at this point. However, as a backup, I think he could be very useful, able to play spot minutes at the 1, some minutes at the 2, and at other times playing with a PG like Pangos or Joseph and splitting some of the responsibilities (like bringing the ball up the court).

If we can get Pangos, CoJo, and NAW for the qualifiers I'd be fairly happy with our PG contingent, and then hope to add SGA if we move on to the Olympics (and shift NAW to full-time SG in that case).

If Brooks, Dort, Barrett, and maybe (?) Wiggins are our wings, all of those guys are streaky or inconsistent shooters. Are there any true shooters out there who would have a chance to make the roster? At this point, it seems like only Pangos is an excellent 3-point shooter of the people I would have in ink to play guard or wing in both tournaments. Maybe Mychal Mulder?

[mojo13]

Actually Wiggins was 38% from three on the season and Barrett 40%, so we may not be in that bad shape there. Brooks, Dort and NAW were not so bad either (all around 34-35%).

But if you are looking for a guard/wing 3pt specialist it’s probably Mulder (40%) or maybe Kassius Robertson who has become an elite shooter in the ACB (41% on almost 3 made threes a game). I suppose you could even go to Stauskas if you wanted to but that seems a stretch.

[Kenter16]

Let's not for get O'shae Brissett shot 40% from three as well. If Olynyk shows up or Kyle Wiltjer and maybe even Andrew Nicholson, we will not have a shortage of 3 point shooters. We will need our guards, for the most part, to drive and kick.

I wouldn't worry about Pangos being bad defensively. He won't be guarding Larkin or Satoransky. That will be Lu's job. IMO, Lu should be playing the 2 guard for us. He played 41% at the 2 and 11% at the 1. That is total on the season. Since SGA went down, he has played almost exclusively at the 2 and a little bit as the lead guard. You give up a lot of size when you play him at the 3. Now, that doesn't matter as much anymore, but it is still a factor. I think it would be way more beneficial to have Brooks, Barrett, O'shae or Wiggins at the 3.
I would be very comfortable with starting combinations of Pangos/Lu and Cojo/Lu or possible even Scrubb/Lu. NAW should be used in rotation with these guys. That's not a knock either. It would be incredible to have him coming off the bench. No other team in the tourney will have someone as skilled as him coming off the bench.