Team Canada Basketball Thread

[Hair Canada]

Some positive words from Khem Birch about the national team. Hope others have the same mindset.

http://www.fiba.basketball/basketballworldcup/2019/americas-qualifiers/news/birch-i-want-to-wear-the-canadian-jersey-this-summer

[mojo13]

Great! Love the enthusiasm.
He is a key piece as our best defensive front court player and only real protector. We have a load of skilled offensive bigs in Olynyk, Nicholson, Lyles, Wiltjer, and even guys like Bennett/Ejim that I think would pair well with Birch.



And last weeks round up in Canadian pros abroad:
http://www.usbasket.com/Canada/news/531308/Kevin-Pangos-selected-the-top-Canadian-playing-abroad-in-last-week's-games

Trasolini with a 42 point game!


And random shower thought: since Zalgiris is clearly losing Pangos this summer, how interesting would it be for them to take on Lithuanian heritage Nik Stuaskas for a couple years fix his game and send him back to us?

[Hair Canada]

I realize that many here quite dislike TT, but he should also be seriously considered if he's willing to come. When he's in good form, (such as in the last couple of Cavs games), he's a valuable defensive player and rebounder that should also pair well with the other more offensive-minded bigs.

As for Stauskas, I Zalgiris would probably be happy to have him (as would many European teams). But, as I said before, I think he will only go to Europe if he has no choice. If any NBA team offers him a contract for next year, even a minimum (he's not likely to get more than that), I believe he'll prefer to stay.

[mojo13]

I realize that many here quite dislike TT, but he should also be seriously considered if he's willing to come. When he's in good form, (such as in the last couple of Cavs games), he's a valuable defensive player and rebounder that should also pair well with the other more offensive-minded bigs.

As for Stauskas, I Zalgiris would probably be happy to have him (as would many European teams). But, as I said before, I think he will only go to Europe if he has no choice. If any NBA team offers him a contract for next year, even a minimum (he's not likely to get more than that), I believe he'll prefer to stay.

Yes...I might be too hard on Thompson. And he really does irk me personally - I actually find him the most embarrassing (by far) to my righteous sense of "Canadianess" of all our NBA players. So surely this shades my opinion. Yet I'd certainly and excitedly take him over guys like Klassen, Landry, Trasolini, Sacre, Wiltjer, Bennett etc. - however he might not be Top 5 on my list of PC/Cs. He is really not well suited to the FIBA game, but I do appreciate his historical defensive grit and elite rebounding (questionable if it still exists though). Despite the last few games resurgence, he sure looked like a quickly declining player this past season (maybe it was just the Kardashian Kurse).

TT is seems an inferior talent to Olynyk, Lyles and Powell nowadays. Nicholson, Birch, Ejim arguably all bring more to the table to the National team, in in a vacuum. Yet I certainly see a place for Thompson among our Top 12 if he accepted a role similar to his Cavs role. But too often I have seen him thinking he something more than he is when pulling on the Canada jersey - bricking midrange jumpers, putting the ball to the floor then coughing up a turnover and trying other routine stuff he just can't do. I have never really seen him make a huge difference for the national team. Frankly in the 2016 Manila Qualifiers - I thought Birch brought more to the team (Khem actually made big impacts in the exhibition games before TT showed up but didn't get many minutes later). And clearly Ejim was much more valuable than TT in Manila. With full turnout don't we really only need one of Birch or Thompson? Who would you take? Not so easy a question any more. But one of the two would be very valuable - Khem seems to know his role better.

I know we will never have the luxury to make this choice but lets assume 5 PF/C on a senior team. My top 4 bigs are Olynyk, Powell, Lyles and then either Birch or TT. Would you take both? Or cut one of TT/Birch for Ejim (well rounded), Nicholson (offense), Wiltjer (offense).

This scenario will likely not happen in 2018 or 2019 (it is fun to rosterbate though). So TT, if available, will likely be a key piece of any team, which is great. I just see people hypothetically pencil him in as a starting calibre PF/C for Canada and I am not so sure he is - if we have 100% availability.

What do you guys think the make-up of the team will be this summer? I can see an argument to limit the NBA guys to have some consistency with the guys who are available in-season. But on the flip side you can get everyone in camp together - scrimmage for a few days and then just trot out the best we have to help ensure wins and sell tickets, while still preserving some consistency for the non-NBA guys by having them at camp playing against a mostly NBA squad. I'd assume it is a benefit for guys like Keane, Best, the Scrubbs, Ejim, Heslip, XRM, Landry etc. to have a training camp with NBA players in the summer.

[frumble]

I know we will never have the luxury to make this choice but lets assume 5 PF/C on a senior team. My top 4 bigs are Olynyk, Powell, Lyles and then either Birch or TT. Would you take both? Or cut one of TT/Birch for Ejim (well rounded), Nicholson (offense), Wiltjer (offense).

In that scenario, I would take both Birch and TT.

I think Nicholson and Wiltjer are in the same category as Olynyk, Lyles, and Powell. That is, bigs whose strength is shooting and passing rather than interior D and rebounding. I would only take three of those offensive-minded guys, leaving two spots for the more defensive guys. Ideally we would have more candidates for that latter role, but other than Birch and TT, I think we would be looking at Landry, Anthony's corpse, etc. (if Boucher is available, he would be a viable for this role).

Ejim is a little of both, but given his lack of size, not sure if can truly fill that interior D role.

I share your concern re TT not knowing his role, but I think my hyptotheical ideal roster includes him - at least for the next year or two.

What do you guys think the make-up of the team will be this summer? I can see an argument to limit the NBA guys to have some consistency with the guys who are available in-season. But on the flip side you can get everyone in camp together - scrimmage for a few days and then just trot out the best we have to help ensure wins and sell tickets, while still preserving some consistency for the non-NBA guys by having them at camp playing against a mostly NBA squad. I'd assume it is a benefit for guys like Keane, Best, the Scrubbs, Ejim, Heslip, XRM, Landry etc. to have a training camp with NBA players in the summer.

The seasons of Joseph, Ennis, Murray, Olynyk, Lyles, and Powell ended early enough, and they have shown enough commitment in the past, that I think there is a good to very good chance we get each of them. I consider Pangos, Stauskas, Thompson, and Wiggins as less likely. Not sure re Brooks. Summer league doesn't start until after qualifying games, right?

Summer league and injury recovery may be issues for Boucher.

Still, if we get Birch and at three or four of Joseph, Ennis, Murray, Olynyk, Lyles, and Powell, along with the key guys from the November and February qualifiers, we should be in good shape.

Agree that a big camp would be great.

In terms of selection, given the importance of these two games, I think winning now should trump experience for the younger guys or rewards for the guys who played in last two pairs of qualifying games.

[frumble]

NBAdraft.net with new mocks for 2018 and 2019.

For2018:
SGA 12
Jackson 54

For 2019:
Barrett 1
Shi-ttu 14
NAW 18
Brissett 19
Wigginton 28

http://www.nbadraft.net/2019mock_draft

[mojo13]

Barcelona reportedly chasing Kevin Pangos already.
https://www.eurohoops.net/en/euroleague/671208/barcelona-reportedly-interested-in-kevin-pangos/

As I recall they attempted a mid season buyout from Zalgiris as well.

Barca might need to get in line quite a few other EuroLeague teams and maybe a few NBA teams.

[WellYouKnow]

Any word beyond that Birch article on who might be suiting up for the games in June?

I think guys like Olynyk, Powell, Pangos and Joseph are pretty good bets. They all showed up to the training camp they held before the americup last summer im pretty sure

[mojo13]

Any word beyond that Birch article on who might be suiting up for the games in June?

I think guys like Olynyk, Powell, Pangos and Joseph are pretty good bets. They all showed up to the training camp they held before the americup last summer im pretty sure

I 'd be a little surprised if Pangos played. He is a full FA and this is a huge offseason in his career money wise. But the others you mention are locked into contracts and often around the team even if not playing, so I agree with the likelihood there.

Nothing has been said by Canada Basketball or players that I have seen. The only hints I am seeing are that Olynyk, Ejim, Heslip all used in web advertising promos for the event.

I always think injuries and FA status are the main determinations of attendance that can be more easily qualified. Desire and commitment to play is harder to understand.

No major injuries that I know of other than a guy like Phil Scrubb maybe wanting to take some time off to rest his oft injured knee.

As for FA status (off the top of my head so please correct me):
Guaranteed Deals for 18/19 Season:
Andrew Wiggins
Cory Joseph
Tristan Thompson
Kelly Olynyk
Jamal Murray
Dwight Powell
Khem Birch (I think he just needs to not be waived by the Magic sometime in June for the 2nd year to kick in - pretty certain that will happen.
Dillon Brooks
Trey Lyles
Dyshawn Pierre (I saw his club already exercised 2nd year option)


FAs:
Kevin Pangos,
Tyler Ennis
Brady Heslip
Nik Stauskas
Andrew Nicholson? (not certain if he has a 2nd year locked in China)
Anthony Bennett
Aaron Doornekamp? (not certain if he has a 2nd year locked)
Kyle Wiltjer (Olympiacos I think has a 2nd year option. Coin toss if they exercise it)
Naz Long
Chris Boucher? (not sure if two ways are guaranteed for two years or not)
Melvin Ejim? (He could have easily signed a multiyear deal in Russia)
Thomas Scrubb?
XRM?
All the other Euro/Asia and G-League based guys - Landry, Klassen, Trasolini, Sacre, Peter McNeily, Hanlan, Best????

As we know most of these lower level guys could still play for Canada as FAs - as it is often a chance to showcase themselves for European contracts or seen as valuable training time with elite players. The FAs who don't usually play are established and borderline NBA guys. I think that really only puts Pangos, Ennis, Stuaskas in the high risk category to me.

It is a great summer to put together the bulk of our talent, but the stakes may not be high enough to do it. Too bad this wasn't a World Cup or Olympics summer. But when was the last time these guys had a chance to play for Canada on home soil? That could be a major draw....

I do think you'll see a good amount of NBA guys with mix of our better Senior team foreign based regulars like Heslip, Ejim, Nicholson an/or a Scrubb or two.

[mojo13]

For those looking for more NDA Draft content. I've been struggling since DraftExpress was acquired by ESPN and lost behind the paywall...NBADraft.net has been my fallback but it isnt great for content and analysis. I recently came across a couple others and wanted to share in case people havnt seen them.

http://www.nbadraftroom.com/
I think this one has circulated before but it has a solid mocks and decent analysis on players, interviews, videos etc.

https://www.thestepien.com/
This one was new to me and seems to have a load of good original content and analysis along with rankings and mocks.
As an example this Recap of the Nike Hoop Summit on RJ is great analysis.
https://www.thestepien.com/2018/04/18/nike-hoop-summit-world-team-prospects-recap/

[Alpha Mentality]

We need all hands on deck this summer. I think participation for these upcoming games is going to be a huge indicator for participation moving forward. We just can't miss out on these qualifying games again. Gotta get the job done and cement our spot.

[UcanUwill]

Kevin Pangos made all Euroleague Second team. Most likely NBA bound next season.

[Patman]

Kevin Pangos made all Euroleague Second team. Most likely NBA bound next season.

If we don't retain FVV, I'd love Pangos to fill in his shoes.

[UcanUwill]

Kevin Pangos made all Euroleague Second team. Most likely NBA bound next season.

If we don't retain FVV, I'd love Pangos to fill in his shoes.

WOuld be cool. Pangos is a very good shooter.

[mojo13]

Some quick hits from the last week:

Melvin Ejim is a key piece piece leading UNICS into the best record in the VTB. They just laid the beat down on Zenit (Ejim with 16 points), Russia's other EL team. UNICS could move up into the EuroLeague next year if they keep this up. Ejim's scoring is down from last year, but he is more of a do everything glue guy with this team. https://www.eurohoops.net/en/vtb/671703/unics-on-top-after-crushing-zenit/

Seeing the Twitter rumors start up with Phil Scrubb. He is really tearing up the BBL and starting to see his name attached to EuroLeague teams like Baskonia (ACB) and Brose Basket (BBL) as well as other good clubs like Bayern Munich (BBL) and some Italian ones. Regardless he will likely be moving up significantly in pay grade and club competition.

Saw a mention of Olynyk spending the summer with the National team in a Miami Herald article. Seen allot of KO, Ejim, Heslip in the Canada Basketball promos for the games this summer.

G-League Elite Mini-Camp starts today (I think in combination with the draft combine?) - XRM and Naz Long have been invited to this. https://www.ridiculousupside.com/2018/5/10/17339510/what-will-nba-personnel-look-for-2018-g-league-elite-mini-camp

Lindell Wiggington seems to be working out with a number of NBA teams recently (Lakers last week) even though he wasn't invited to the combine. Still a chance he stays in the draft if some teams show enough interest. You certainly don't need to be drafted to land on an NBA roster nowadays with the 60 added roster spots (two way contracts).

[Hair Canada]

Nice updates, thanks Mojo.

In the meanwhile, ESPN with their latest mock draft. Shai at 12 (Clippers) and JJ at 46 (Rockets).

[CrookedJ]

I'm going to the FIBA under 18 in St Catherine's in June, taking my pops for Father's day. Where can I find a list of the under 18 team? Having a harder time than I thought googling it.

Sent from my ASUS Zenfone using RealGM mobile app.

[mojo13]

I'm going to the FIBA under 18 in St Catherine's in June, taking my pops for Father's day. Where can I find a list of the under 18 team? Having a harder time than I thought googling it.

Sent from my ASUS Zenfone using RealGM mobile app.

Not announced yet. Canada has a tendency to be quite late announcing camp invites and then rosters.
It will be posted here when announced, but don’t expect anything until 2 or 3 weeks before tip off (which likely means the end of this month).

Also keep checking the Canada Basketball website.


Here is a solid overview of what to expect from the u18 team.
https://canhoopsca.wordpress.com/2018/05/13/u-sport-coaches-to-lead-canadas-national-team-programs-this-summer/
I think we will see more big names than what is implied here - a few top prospects chose not to play last year.

This is also a good overview of the SMNT for this summer's home games. Nothing too new but a good recap. I think this thread is the best and most consistent source of information on anything Team Canada (youth or senior related) that you'll find.


Here is a forum if you want to learn about some of the other teams
https://www.interbasket.net/forums/showthread.php?58243-2018-FIBA-U17-World-Cup

[frumble]

I'm going to the FIBA under 18 in St Catherine's in June, taking my pops for Father's day. Where can I find a list of the under 18 team? Having a harder time than I thought googling it.

Sent from my ASUS Zenfone using RealGM mobile app.

Not announced yet. Canada has a tendency to be quite late announcing camp invites and then rosters.
It will be posted here when announced, but don’t expect anything until 2 or 3 weeks before tip off (which likely means the end of this month).

Also keep checking the Canada Basketball website.


Here is a solid overview of what to expect from the u18 team.
https://canhoopsca.wordpress.com/2018/05/13/u-sport-coaches-to-lead-canadas-national-team-programs-this-summer/
I think we will see more big names than what is implied here - a few top prospects chose not to play last year.

Thanks Mojo. That link has some good info and discssion of possible players for the U17 team (Worlds starting June 30).

But no discussion of possible players for the U18 team (Americas starting June 10). Would be nice to have a good turnout given that we are hosting.

[CrookedJ]

I'm going to the FIBA under 18 in St Catherine's in June, taking my pops for Father's day. Where can I find a list of the under 18 team? Having a harder time than I thought googling it.

Sent from my ASUS Zenfone using RealGM mobile app.

Not announced yet. Canada has a tendency to be quite late announcing camp invites and then rosters.
It will be posted here when announced, but don’t expect anything until 2 or 3 weeks before tip off (which likely means the end of this month).

Also keep checking the Canada Basketball website.


Here is a solid overview of what to expect from the u18 team.
https://canhoopsca.wordpress.com/2018/05/13/u-sport-coaches-to-lead-canadas-national-team-programs-this-summer/
I think we will see more big names than what is implied here - a few top prospects chose not to play last year.

This is also a good overview of the SMNT for this summer's home games. Nothing too new but a good recap. I think this thread is the best and most consistent source of information on anything Team Canada (youth or senior related) that you'll find.


Here is a forum if you want to learn about some of the other teams
https://www.interbasket.net/forums/showthread.php?58243-2018-FIBA-U17-World-Cup

Thanks !

Sent from my ASUS Zenfone using RealGM mobile app.