State of the Union. Team Canada Basketball. (FIBA Americas Aug.31-Sep.15)

[frumble]

Regarding Wiggins, I'm obviously ecstatic that he'll be there, but I hope the team doesn't try to rely on him too much, particularly on the offensive end. We have to remember that he's just played one season in the NBA for a team that didn't win much at all, and was horribly disorganized on the offensive and defensive end. He still has a lot to learn about playing team ball.

I really hope Triano runs the offence primarily through Olynyk and Nicholson, with Wiggins, Stauskas, Bennett and Joseph as secondary options. Of course, I've been dreaming about Olynyk/Stauskas pick-and-rolls for Team Canada for a year and a half now. I think that should be a bread-and butter play for the team.

I have been thinking the same thing. Wiggins will be important for his D, rebounding from the 3, and b/c we are so weak at the 3, but I do not want him as the focal point of the offense.

[Undefeated]

Of course, I've been dreaming about Olynyk/Stauskas pick-and-rolls for Team Canada for a year and a half now. I think that should be a bread-and butter play for the team.

The Stauskas/Olynyk pick-&-roll will likely be part of a built-in read to their flow offense out of the Spurs Motion Strong series based on what they ran at the Pan Am games.

What I love about the Motion Strong series is that Olynyk is going to get so many open looks as the trailer spotting up for 3s TOK and you have Stauskas coming off the double stagger (Strong Classic) if the 3 isn't there and it automatically flows into a high pick-&-roll out of Horns. From there, there's countless options that they can run. Defenses won't be able to sag off like they did with Bennett and converge on Nicholson with Olynyk in place.

They can even have Stauskas running point and instead of having him coming off the double stagger with Wiggins as the strong-side wing, he comes off the single stagger from Olynyk (Down 1) and Wiggins can duck-in for a mid-post ISO like Flip has been running for him.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/lg5tljon2y6orm2/Canada%20SMNT%20-%20Motion%20Strong.pdf?dl=0

[Pooh_Jeter]

The great thing about Wiggins is that he is very unselfish so I think he will fit in well with whatever Triano decides to do. That being said, I still think people are sleeping on Wiggins skills. Certainly there are areas of his game he needs to improve on, but I think he has some wonderful tools already that people don't seem to be giving him full credit for. He has a pretty advanced post game for a wing, especially one that is so young. His handle is still being refined, but his first step is lightning quick and he has excellent footwork around the basket. I think everyone realizes how much of a terror he is in transition as well. Flip didn't allow him a ton of freedom shooting the 3 ball, but he is certainly capable of hitting shots from the outside and the shorter FIBA 3 point line should be right in the wheel house of Wiggins.

Bennett really showed what the gap in athleticism can do for a player in international play. When he was able to face up and drive to the basket he drew a lot of fouls. Bennett is a good athlete, Wiggins is legitimately one of the best in the entire NBA. I can't imagine there being many players who can match-up with him. He is going to force teams to play zone and other coverages to account for that. Given that Canada will have plenty of shooters out there this is a great thing.

I love Jamal Murray and I think he has a really bright future, but I was surprised at how many people were taking pot shots at Wiggins in their excitement over Murray. I think by the end of the Fiba Americas people will realize the true potential of Wiggins. This is a guy who has all the tools to be a star.

[mojo13]

I love Jamal Murray and I think he has a really bright future, but I was surprised at how many people were taking pot shots at Wiggins in their excitement over Murray. I think by the end of the Fiba Americas people will realize the true potential of Wiggins. This is a guy who has all the tools to be a star.

Human nature is to get overly excited about potential, the unknown, the possible "next big thing". The same talk surrounded a 17/18 year old Kabongo, Pangos, Cadougan and on and on. Bol Kong was once the next big thing out of Canada. In the 24 hour news cycle and us fan's insatiable hunger for content the hype machine is much worse today. Cooler heads here have pointed out how much development occurs between 17 and 22 and that people should temper expectations and not get carried away. But you'll always have a crowd with their hair on fire yelling "OMG!! Murray is the next D-Wade! Book it!!!".

I have high hopes for Murray but lets give it a few years to pan out. Even if he is a high lottery pick next year it doesn't always play out as we fans want it to - Bennett is still an unfortunate testament to that. Stauskas so far too - for that matter.

[Brazil88]

I know I'm a little late, but if there's one thing that the Pan Am Games showed me is that the Raptors lost a golden opportunity. It's pretty clear to me that they should have allowed Bruno to play for Brazilian NT and Coach Magnano. I know the quality level is different and that Bruno needed to get minutes in SL against rookies, sophs and borderline NBA players, but playing for Magnano was an amazing opportunity that was lost.

My biggest concern everytime Bruno steps on the floor is his low BBALL IQ and his overall awareness of the game. And just watching how some mediocre talent from the Brazilian League improved in those aereas being coached by Magnano for something like 1 month of training camp, well, it made me feel confident that Magnano could've helped Bruno A LOT.

Anyway, good luck to Canada in FIBA Americas.

[baulderdash77]

First of all Brazil has to get their stuff together and pay their dues. From their perspective, what if they don't make the Olympics on their own home games? It's crazy.

Back to the tournament; if Tristan Thompson plays I think we're pretty much a lock to make the Olympics. If not we're certainly still one of the favorites to make it into the top 4 but it's not a lock.

I just don't see how a team with a starting 5 of Joseph, Stauskas, Wiggins, Thompson & Olynyk with NBA players on the bench doesn't make the finals. Our bench would include the entire starting lineup from the Pan Am tournament probably, which is no joke.

[Young_Buc]

First of all Brazil has to get their stuff together and pay their dues. From their perspective, what if they don't make the Olympics on their own home games? It's crazy.

Back to the tournament; if Tristan Thompson plays I think we're pretty much a lock to make the Olympics. If not we're certainly still one of the favorites to make it into the top 4 but it's not a lock.

I just don't see how a team with a starting 5 of Joseph, Stauskas, Wiggins, Thompson & Olynyk with NBA players on the bench doesn't make the finals. Our bench would include the entire starting lineup from the Pan Am tournament probably, which is no joke.

Doesn't the home country automatically get in? Or am I thinking of the world cup

[curryking3]

Is the schedule for the FIBA tournament up?

Getting pretty excited..... want to know when the first Canada game is.

[GoRaptors]

Is the schedule for the FIBA tournament up?

Getting pretty excited..... want to know when the first Canada game is.

Here is the schedule The tournament starts on August 31 though Canada plays its first game on Sept 1

http://fibaamericas.com/mex2015/en/calendario.asp?w=1

[GoRaptors]

First of all Brazil has to get their stuff together and pay their dues. From their perspective, what if they don't make the Olympics on their own home games? It's crazy.

Back to the tournament; if Tristan Thompson plays I think we're pretty much a lock to make the Olympics. If not we're certainly still one of the favorites to make it into the top 4 but it's not a lock.

I just don't see how a team with a starting 5 of Joseph, Stauskas, Wiggins, Thompson & Olynyk with NBA players on the bench doesn't make the finals. Our bench would include the entire starting lineup from the Pan Am tournament probably, which is no joke.

Doesn't the home country automatically get in? Or am I thinking of the world cup

It basically is automatic that the home country gets a spot. However, there are certain conditions that need to be met. In Brazil's case there are dues to be paid. For the 2012 Olympics Great Britain was asked by FIBA to make significant improvements in their basketball program.

[bokbok]

do we know the rosters yet for fiba americas?

[Patman]

I love Jamal Murray and I think he has a really bright future, but I was surprised at how many people were taking pot shots at Wiggins in their excitement over Murray. I think by the end of the Fiba Americas people will realize the true potential of Wiggins. This is a guy who has all the tools to be a star.

Human nature is to get overly excited about potential, the unknown, the possible "next big thing". The same talk surrounded a 17/18 year old Kabongo, Pangos, Cadougan and on and on. Bol Kong was once the next big thing out of Canada. In the 24 hour news cycle and us fan's insatiable hunger for content the hype machine is much worse today. Cooler heads here have pointed out how much development occurs between 17 and 22 and that people should temper expectations and not get carried away. But you'll always have a crowd with their hair on fire yelling "OMG!! Murray is the next D-Wade! Book it!!!".

I have high hopes for Murray but lets give it a few years to pan out. Even if he is a high lottery pick next year it doesn't always play out as we fans want it to - Bennett is still an unfortunate testament to that. Stauskas so far too - for that matter.

THIS. A player can go so many different ways during these 5 years. It's like rolling a dice 5 times. There are so many possibilities that range from total washout to sure-fire superstar.

[aminiaturebuddha]

Some interesting stuff (as usual for Lowe) in Zach Lowe's interview with Flip Saunders.

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/qa-flip-saunders-on-building-the-baby-t-wolves-luck-and-mountain-dew/

Broad ideas about things they're working on with Wiggins, and how he might be used this upcoming year.

Sadly, it doesn't really seem like Bennett is going to get much of a chance to play again. As bad as a move to a 3rd team in 3 years might be, it could actually be the best thing for his career if he can land on a team where he could consistently get 25-30 minutes a game at PF.

[mojo13]

Some interesting stuff (as usual for Lowe) in Zach Lowe's interview with Flip Saunders.

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/qa-flip-saunders-on-building-the-baby-t-wolves-luck-and-mountain-dew/

Broad ideas about things they're working on with Wiggins, and how he might be used this upcoming year.

Sadly, it doesn't really seem like Bennett is going to get much of a chance to play again. As bad as a move to a 3rd team in 3 years might be, it could actually be the best thing for his career if he can land on a team where he could consistently get 25-30 minutes a game at PF.

The Wolves fan boards a have pretty much written Bennett off too. I can't really see anyone picking up his option year. He needs to get somewhere else...but no one wants his contract. Maybe the Raps saw something in the PanAms?

I'm worried about Ennis too....I am not sure he has a place with the Bucks (Carter-Williams, Vasquez, Bayless, Guitierez) and might need to find a new home too. Maybe it is another year in the D? Or off to Europe in the next year or two?

Nicholson and KO are in a rough spot too... with David Lee and Amir Johnson in Boston, I am not sure where that puts KO.

[aminiaturebuddha]

The Wolves fan boards a have pretty much written Bennett off too. I can't really see anyone picking up his option year. He needs to get somewhere else...but no one wants his contract. Maybe the Raps saw something in the PanAms?

I'm worried about Ennis too....I am not sure he has a place with the Bucks (Carter-Williams, Vasquez, Bayless, Guitierez) and might need to find a new home too. Maybe it is another year in the D? Or off to Europe in the next year or two?

Nicholson and KO are in a rough spot too... with David Lee and Amir Johnson in Boston, I am not sure where that puts KO.

Yeah, this could be a tough year for the young Canadians in the NBA. Wiggins is basically the only guaranteed starter. Thompson and Joseph's roles are pretty well defined, Powell should settle in nicely as the backup 4 in Dallas, and Stauskas probably landed in the best possible situation for him on a team bereft of backcourt talent and in desperate need of shooting.

It could be very bleak for the others though. Lyles has the best chance, as he'll likely only have to battle Trevor Booker for backup minutes at the big spots behind Gobert and Favors in Utah. You already pointed out the tough situations that face Bennett, Ennis, Nicholson and KO. And who knows where Sacre fits in in L.A.?

[aminiaturebuddha]

Just to continue the point...it's too bad, because I do think that Bennett and Ennis are NBA talents. And KO could still be a starter or 1st big off the bench in the right situation. But a few of those guys could end up in Europe once their first contracts end. It wouldn't be the worst thing for the National Team for those guys to have international ball experience, but it would be a worse viewing situation for those of us watching the NBA, who can turn on League Pass at any given time and there's a good chance we can watch one of the Canadians.

[Mattd97]

First of all Brazil has to get their stuff together and pay their dues. From their perspective, what if they don't make the Olympics on their own home games? It's crazy.

Back to the tournament; if Tristan Thompson plays I think we're pretty much a lock to make the Olympics. If not we're certainly still one of the favorites to make it into the top 4 but it's not a lock.

I just don't see how a team with a starting 5 of Joseph, Stauskas, Wiggins, Thompson & Olynyk with NBA players on the bench doesn't make the finals. Our bench would include the entire starting lineup from the Pan Am tournament probably, which is no joke.

Doesn't the home country automatically get in? Or am I thinking of the world cup

gotta pay some sort of fee that they have not done yet. if they dont then they need to qualify the old fashioned way.

[mojo13]

Final 16 for Puerto Rico announced today:
Jose Juan Barea, Ramon Clemente, Devon Collier, Richard Chaney, Renaldo Balkman, Kevin Young, Mike Rosario, Angel Daniel Vassallo, Luis Villafañe, Isaac Sosa, Jorge Bryan Diaz, Carlos Rivera, Guillermo Diaz, Larry Ayuso, John Holland, and Maurice Harkless.

Still some good talent there. But hopefully no longer the major threat they once were.

I am a little surprised by Maurice Harkless - I didnt know he was from PR.

EDIT: Harkless has a maternal grandmother from PR. That is a bit of a stretch don't you think?

http://www.fibaamericas.com/en/noticiasread4.asp?r=A83EEEE388AD466EA66AA9D1DD523C0C

[Mattd97]

Final 16 for Puerto Rico announced today:
Jose Juan Barea, Ramon Clemente, Devon Collier, Richard Chaney, Renaldo Balkman, Kevin Young, Mike Rosario, Angel Daniel Vassallo, Luis Villafañe, Isaac Sosa, Jorge Bryan Diaz, Carlos Rivera, Guillermo Diaz, Larry Ayuso, John Holland, and Maurice Harkless.

Still some good talent there. But hopefully no longer the major threat they once were.

I am a little surprised by Maurice Harkless - I didnt know he was from PR.

EDIT: Harkless has a maternal grandmother from PR. That is a bit of a stretch don't you think?

http://www.fibaamericas.com/en/noticiasread4.asp?r=A83EEEE388AD466EA66AA9D1DD523C0C

this guy plays for PR?

[UcanUwill]

Final 16 for Puerto Rico announced today:
Jose Juan Barea, Ramon Clemente, Devon Collier, Richard Chaney, Renaldo Balkman, Kevin Young, Mike Rosario, Angel Daniel Vassallo, Luis Villafañe, Isaac Sosa, Jorge Bryan Diaz, Carlos Rivera, Guillermo Diaz, Larry Ayuso, John Holland, and Maurice Harkless.

Still some good talent there. But hopefully no longer the major threat they once were.

I am a little surprised by Maurice Harkless - I didnt know he was from PR.

EDIT: Harkless has a maternal grandmother from PR. That is a bit of a stretch don't you think?

http://www.fibaamericas.com/en/noticiasread4.asp?r=A83EEEE388AD466EA66AA9D1DD523C0C

Not a very good lineup. Larry Ayuso still plays, guy is nearly 40...