Team Canada Basketball Thread V2.0

[mojo13]

Bilbo - thanks for posting this. Good stuff here.

RJ is understandably getting ripped to shreds on social media. There so much Duke / Coach K hate out there and with Zion so good he's seemingly immune to criticism - add that Reddish a total non-factor (cant believe he is still in the 4-6 range on most mock drafts), most of the criticism unfortunately is falling on RJs shoulders.

A few poster here were ahead of the curve pointing out that the teammates around RJ really hurt his game - especially with the load he was asked to carry. Seen allot of comments like the ones above by Givony over the last 24 hours. Someone pointed out he shot 50% from the field in the games Zion missed versus 45% during the games Zion played (an indication that Zion packed the paint even more).

I'm still a little skeptical of RJs upside, but it sure seems that the criticism of him has totally jumped the shark. As discussed here before he put up an amazing season for an 18 year old, and although there are warts to his game the intangibles (drive, competitiveness etc.) are there and there is so much time for tangible skill development (like outside shooting).

Even Steve Nash had to jump to RJ's defense last night:

Read on Twitter

I'm still not sure RJ will be better than Jamal Murray or SGA - heck, I'm not 100% convinced RJ will be the 1st Canadian drafted in June. But he sure looks like he'll be a top 5 guard/wing for Canada over the next decade and I am excited to watch him develop.

[mojo13]

I know there's a lot of excitement about a certain Canadian entering the draft but Brandon Clarke is the best Canadian NCAA player right now. I'm still a little unclear of how he's going to fit as a pro unless he learns to shoot but man is he a good. Does anyone know if he has a history of playing for Canada basketball? I hope he participates moving forward.

Edit: he reminds me a little of Kenyon Martin

He hasn't played for Canada internationally, but no one is sure if that is just because he was largely under the radar as a prospect until recently, or because the program didn't contact him, or because he chose not to. We all hope that Barrett Sr. and others have been doing their best to get in contact with him throughout this year.

Kenyon Martin is a comp I hadn't heard before, and it's not a bad one. Their shotblocking abilities are similar, but I think Clarke actually moves better in other areas on defence, staying in front of guards on the perimeter, etc.

The thing with Martin is that his game was almost entirely dependent on his incredibly athleticism, which meant that when he had that horrible leg injury, he came back a shadow of his former self and was never an impact player again. Hopefully Clarke can do a better job of diversifying his game early on in his career. He can still improve his ballhandling, passing and decision-making, along with refining his outside shot. But he should be a very useful starter for almost any NBA team sooner rather than later.

VanWest82 - I'm not sure there is a fanbase following Canadian prospects closer than the group here. No one was aware Brandon Clarke was Canadian until a little blurb came up in a press release when he transferred from SJSU to Gonzaga. It mentioned he was born in Vancouver (moved to PHX at age 3). We brought it up here, but no one new much about him let alone he was Canadian. We've banged the drum since on RealGM and on Twitter - louder and louder as we heard some ridiculous reports out of Gonzaga during his redshirt year that he was destroying Hachimura in practice and then over 120 BPMs as this season has progressed. Canada Basketball is aware of him now as well see posts about him regularly on Social Media. So I am sure they are looking at him and reaching out - but to what extent he is engaged no one here knows for sure. He has no prior history with Canada Basketball that any of us are aware of. As buddha said, he was just not really good enough to be on anyone's radar in the youth circuits and no one really looked close enough to realize he was born in Canada.

[BilboBanginz]

I really think Clarke will look to suit up for Canada. One advantage we have with these Canadian/American dual-citizen players is that it is just so difficult to make the team USA roster. Clark would have to become a top-30 American player before USA basketball would even consider him for any of the big tournaments, while in Canada he would become one of our most promising young players. Hopefully Canada secures his commitment soon in case he breaks into a all-star type of player (not likely, but you never know).

[BilboBanginz]

Read on Twitter

Bad news for JV, but potentially really good news for Canada at the World Cup. Will JV want to play additional games this summer after missing significant time due to injury? I could see a scenario where JV opts out of his current deal in favor of long-term security, and his new team may not be too keen on him suiting up for the World Cup if they just invested lots of years/money into him.

I know the World Cup is 5 months away, but it's something to watch.

[TheFutureMM]

Bilbo - thanks for posting this. Good stuff here.

RJ is understandably getting ripped to shreds on social media. There so much Duke / Coach K hate out there and with Zion so good he's seemingly immune to criticism - add that Reddish a total non-factor (cant believe he is still in the 4-6 range on most mock drafts), most of the criticism unfortunately is falling on RJs shoulders.

A few poster here were ahead of the curve pointing out that the teammates around RJ really hurt his game - especially with the load he was asked to carry. Seen allot of comments like the ones above by Givony over the last 24 hours. Someone pointed out he shot 50% from the field in the games Zion missed versus 45% during the games Zion played (an indication that Zion packed the paint even more).

I'm still a little skeptical of RJs upside, but it sure seems that the criticism of him has totally jumped the shark. As discussed here before he put up an amazing season for an 18 year old, and although there are warts to his game the intangibles (drive, competitiveness etc.) are there and there is so much time for tangible skill development (like outside shooting).

Even Steve Nash had to jump to RJ's defense last night:

Read on Twitter

I'm still not sure RJ will be better than Jamal Murray or SGA - heck, I'm not 100% convinced RJ will be the 1st Canadian drafted in June. But he sure looks like he'll be a top 5 guard/wing for Canada over the next decade and I am excited to watch him develop.

RJ will 100% be the first Canadian drafted in June - pretty shocked to see questions regarding his drive and competitiveness. He took all of the final shots in this last game with everything on the line and burst into tears in the loss. If anything the criticism should be on his clutchness (which I too think is unwarranted). I'd be shocked if he was drafted anywhere lower than 4th meanwhile there is zero chance Clarke goes earlier than 10.

As for whether or not he's going to be better than Murray or SGA, jurys out however he's got time on his side. He's a year younger than Shai coming out and has the athletic ability to boot minus the wingspan.

[MEDIC]

I still think RJ becomes an allstar in the NBA.

I really wish he hadn't joined Duke. Would have been nice to see him stand on his own a little more with some nice Jr. and Sr. complimentary players......away from the Zion hype train.

Would have been interesting to see Zion without RJ as well.

[CharlieTO]

I really think Clarke will look to suit up for Canada. One advantage we have with these Canadian/American dual-citizen players is that it is just so difficult to make the team USA roster. Clark would have to become a top-30 American player before USA basketball would even consider him for any of the big tournaments, while in Canada he would become one of our most promising young players. Hopefully Canada secures his commitment soon in case he breaks into a all-star type of player (not likely, but you never know).

His Instagram account says JMCA for Jamaica, Canada and his twitter account has a Canadian flag beside in his description. It seems that he proudly and overtly identifies himself as being Canadian which is a good sign.

[mojo13]

Bilbo - thanks for posting this. Good stuff here.

RJ is understandably getting ripped to shreds on social media. There so much Duke / Coach K hate out there and with Zion so good he's seemingly immune to criticism - add that Reddish a total non-factor (cant believe he is still in the 4-6 range on most mock drafts), most of the criticism unfortunately is falling on RJs shoulders.

A few poster here were ahead of the curve pointing out that the teammates around RJ really hurt his game - especially with the load he was asked to carry. Seen allot of comments like the ones above by Givony over the last 24 hours. Someone pointed out he shot 50% from the field in the games Zion missed versus 45% during the games Zion played (an indication that Zion packed the paint even more).

I'm still a little skeptical of RJs upside, but it sure seems that the criticism of him has totally jumped the shark. As discussed here before he put up an amazing season for an 18 year old, and although there are warts to his game the intangibles (drive, competitiveness etc.) are there and there is so much time for tangible skill development (like outside shooting).

Even Steve Nash had to jump to RJ's defense last night:

Read on Twitter

I'm still not sure RJ will be better than Jamal Murray or SGA - heck, I'm not 100% convinced RJ will be the 1st Canadian drafted in June. But he sure looks like he'll be a top 5 guard/wing for Canada over the next decade and I am excited to watch him develop.

RJ will 100% be the first Canadian drafted in June - pretty shocked to see questions regarding his drive and competitiveness. He took all of the final shots in this last game with everything on the line and burst into tears in the loss. If anything the criticism should be on his clutchness (which I too think is unwarranted). I'd be shocked if he was drafted anywhere lower than 4th meanwhile there is zero chance Clarke goes earlier than 10.

As for whether or not he's going to be better than Murray or SGA, jurys out however he's got time on his side. He's a year younger than Shai coming out and has the athletic ability to boot minus the wingspan.

Who is questioning his drive and competitiveness? Might want to re-read what I wrote there.

And dealing in absolute certainities is never wise. There is certainly a chance RJ could be drafted lower than 4 as he slowly trickles downward on mocks and certainly an even better chance Clarke is drafted higher than 10. Clarke is already 12 on DraftExpress/ESPN and rising on every board they have done (and most others). Further he is top 10 on a number of boards that are more credible than NBADraft.net or the goof at SI.com. Both Tankathon and The Stepien have him well into the top 10. Not saying that I agree with anyone in particular but it seems silly to say Clarke has zero chance to be selected in the top 10.

Three months to the draft and the way RJ and Clarke are trending in mocks there is clearly a less than 100% chance that RJ is drafted before Clarke.

[slothrop8]

RJ will definitely be drafted before Clarke. Clarke is a fine young player - but Clarke is almost 4 full years older than RJ. Do you know what RJ Barrett would do in playing in Gonzaga's conference in 4 years time? It would be an absolute bloodbath.

[TrueNorth31]

Doug Smith comments on the coaching search.

"So it pains me a bit to say this but I think it has to be said:

In the process to select a new head coach for the senior men’s team – a process that is well under way – there is no way in the world that Canada Basketball should leave the decision to Rowan Barrett.

Look, I like Rowan. I appreciate all that he’s done for the game in his long association with the national program from its grassroots initiatives right up to the senior men’s program and he is to be lauded for all of that.

But there is in inherent conflict of interest here that I simply cannot get past and I wonder if there isn’t another way for the organization to fill such a vital role.

I don’t doubt that Rowan will do all the necessary and correct due diligence – or has done it since I understand the process is under way – but having someone whose son might be such an integral part of the program for years to come somehow troubles me."

https://www.thestar.com/sports/doug_smiths_sports_blog/2019/04/01/canada-basketball-s-coach-search-process-is-flawed.html

[TrueNorth31]

Interesting - apparently playing the Aussies in a pre tournament exhibition game in Perth.

Read on Twitter

[TrueNorth31]

Go big or go home I guess.......

https://pickandroll.com.au/breaking-boomers-set-to-host-canada-in-perth/

[Mattd97]

Doug Smith comments on the coaching search.

"So it pains me a bit to say this but I think it has to be said:

In the process to select a new head coach for the senior men’s team – a process that is well under way – there is no way in the world that Canada Basketball should leave the decision to Rowan Barrett.

Look, I like Rowan. I appreciate all that he’s done for the game in his long association with the national program from its grassroots initiatives right up to the senior men’s program and he is to be lauded for all of that.

But there is in inherent conflict of interest here that I simply cannot get past and I wonder if there isn’t another way for the organization to fill such a vital role.

I don’t doubt that Rowan will do all the necessary and correct due diligence – or has done it since I understand the process is under way – but having someone whose son might be such an integral part of the program for years to come somehow troubles me."

https://www.thestar.com/sports/doug_smiths_sports_blog/2019/04/01/canada-basketball-s-coach-search-process-is-flawed.html

This isnt helping my complete exasperation with people. Clown was just complaining about letting triano go - a guy who has long had a conflict of interest picking and playing his nephew. I dont know if the omission is purposeful or ignorant. But it proves everyone on heres point about his professionalism to not know or to hide it

[mojo13]

Interesting - apparently playing the Aussies in a pre tournament exhibition game in Perth.

Read on Twitter

Note that Canada has a very strong history of only using images of guys in media promos that were verbally committed. This gives me strong confidence that KO, CoJo and TT are in barring injuries or some unforeseen major contract issue (recall CoJo is a FA).

The Aussie fans on the the Twitter thread say the same thing - thus we see Bogut, Mills and Delladevoda. They are strongly believing the absence of Ben Simmons means he won't be playing.


This also may hint we are line for a match with the USA as they have a tour with Australia in Melbourne. Perhaps we can hook up with them while we are both in Oz.

[mojo13]

Doug Smith comments on the coaching search.

"So it pains me a bit to say this but I think it has to be said:

In the process to select a new head coach for the senior men’s team – a process that is well under way – there is no way in the world that Canada Basketball should leave the decision to Rowan Barrett.

Look, I like Rowan. I appreciate all that he’s done for the game in his long association with the national program from its grassroots initiatives right up to the senior men’s program and he is to be lauded for all of that.

But there is in inherent conflict of interest here that I simply cannot get past and I wonder if there isn’t another way for the organization to fill such a vital role.

I don’t doubt that Rowan will do all the necessary and correct due diligence – or has done it since I understand the process is under way – but having someone whose son might be such an integral part of the program for years to come somehow troubles me."

https://www.thestar.com/sports/doug_smiths_sports_blog/2019/04/01/canada-basketball-s-coach-search-process-is-flawed.html

This isnt helping my complete exasperation with people. Clown was just complaining about letting triano go - a guy who has long had a conflict of interest picking and playing his nephew. I dont know if the omission is purposeful or ignorant. But it proves everyone on heres point about his professionalism to not know or to hide it

The hypocrisy and idiocy to Doug Smith is incredible. His last blog was about how him and Triano went to high school together, been close friends for decades, their families are besties and have Sunday dinner together. And then to throw a nepotism charge out there (might even be true, but GD the Triano era was riddle with nepotism).

[mojo13]

And Dan Vanhooren named coach of the boys u19 team.

Seems to signal Rana will be with the SMNT in some capacity as HC or lead assistant.

Read on Twitter

[mojo13]

Some interesting stats from our trio of rapidly improving and (to me) still under the radar players:

Shai Gilgeous Alexander:
After the All-Star Break, Shai Gilgeous Alexander had a three game stretch where he shot 1-17 from the floor
Since then, he's scored in double figures in 14 of 15 games and has a raw +/- of +54 and is shooting .542/.588/,790
His Per 36s during this 15 game stretch
18.1 points
5.4 rebounds
5.3 assists
1.4 steals
0.5 blocks
1.5 turnovers

.618 TS%
12-3 record for the Clippers

Dwight Powell:
Dwight Powell has two more made 3s last night. In his last 17 games before this one, he was shooting 47.4 percent from deep on 2.2 att/g. Counting last night he's now near 41 percent on almost 2/g since the calendar flipped to 2019. Amazing how he has so quickly evolved into a legit three point threat. This added to his elite PnR, rim running, makes him a much much more valuable player. Too bad he is still a below average defender, but that takes me too.....

Khem Birch:
Khem Birch is evolving into one of the NBA's best defenders:
https://www.nba.com/magic/news/birch-has-evolved-one-nbas-best-interior-defenders-20190401
"Since Feb. 2, when Birch took over the back-up center duties for an injured Mo Bamba, the 6-foot-9, 233-pounder ranks first in the NBA in field goal percentage allowed in the restricted area (47 percent) when he’s the closest defender (among players who have contested at least 60 shots), per Second Spectrum Sports. To put that lofty standing into perspective, he ranks ahead of reigning Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert (49 percent), Most Improved Player candidate Montrezl Harrell (50 percent), MVP frontrunner Giannis Antetokounmpo (50 percent), Detroit’s Thon Maker (50 percent) and elite Miami Heat shot blocker Hassan Whiteside (51.1 percent) from Feb. 2 to Monday. Birch posted those numbers over a 25-game stretch – one where the Magic have gone 17-8."


These are the three most important players for Canada with Olynyk, CoJo and Murray.

[Hair Canada]

Some interesting stats from our trio of rapidly improving and (to me) still under the radar players:

Shai Gilgeous Alexander:
After the All-Star Break, Shai Gilgeous Alexander had a three game stretch where he shot 1-17 from the floor
Since then, he's scored in double figures in 14 of 15 games and has a raw +/- of +54 and is shooting .542/.588/,790
His Per 36s during this 15 game stretch
18.1 points
5.4 rebounds
5.3 assists
1.4 steals
0.5 blocks
1.5 turnovers

.618 TS%
12-3 record for the Clippers

Dwight Powell:
Dwight Powell has two more made 3s last night. In his last 17 games before this one, he was shooting 47.4 percent from deep on 2.2 att/g. Counting last night he's now near 41 percent on almost 2/g since the calendar flipped to 2019. Amazing how he has so quickly evolved into a legit three point threat. This added to his elite PnR, rim running, makes him a much much more valuable player. Too bad he is still a below average defender, but that takes me too.....

Khem Birch:
Khem Birch is evolving into one of the NBA's best defenders:
https://www.nba.com/magic/news/birch-has-evolved-one-nbas-best-interior-defenders-20190401
"Since Feb. 2, when Birch took over the back-up center duties for an injured Mo Bamba, the 6-foot-9, 233-pounder ranks first in the NBA in field goal percentage allowed in the restricted area (47 percent) when he’s the closest defender (among players who have contested at least 60 shots), per Second Spectrum Sports. To put that lofty standing into perspective, he ranks ahead of reigning Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert (49 percent), Most Improved Player candidate Montrezl Harrell (50 percent), MVP frontrunner Giannis Antetokounmpo (50 percent), Detroit’s Thon Maker (50 percent) and elite Miami Heat shot blocker Hassan Whiteside (51.1 percent) from Feb. 2 to Monday. Birch posted those numbers over a 25-game stretch – one where the Magic have gone 17-8."


These are the three most important players for Canada with Olynyk, CoJo and Murray.

Great to see all of that happening. Amazing how in a span of one year we went from Powell as an okay bench option and "too bad we can't get Lyles to come" to "Lyles who?". And it's not just Powell. With Olynyk, TT, Birch, and Boucher (G league player of the year AND defensive player of the year), or even just 4 of the 5, we are just completely set in the paint (Ejim should slide to the SF, where we are quite lacking).

Just hope that Shai can make it. For me, he's the biggest unknown from the guys you mention above going into his second year in the league. And probably the most important player to get on board (assuming Murray is in).

[arbsn]

Anyone know the status of Dillon Brooks and Tyler Ennis?

We are stacked with bigs but the guards have a big question mark..

I guess depth chart right now is
PG: Cojo, Ennis, Pangos, XRM
SG: Murray, SGA, Brooks, P Scrubb
SF: Wiggins, Barrett, Stauskas, Justin Jackson
PF: Powell, Lyles, Bennett, Ejim
C: Kelly, Tristan, Birch, Boucher

[mojo13]

Anyone know the status of Dillon Brooks and Tyler Ennis?

We are stacked with bigs but the guards have a big question mark..

I guess depth chart right now is
PG: Cojo, Ennis, Pangos, XRM
SG: Murray, SGA, Brooks, P Scrubb
SF: Wiggins, Barrett, Stauskas, Justin Jackson
PF: Powell, Lyles, Bennett, Ejim
C: Kelly, Tristan, Birch, Boucher

Seen some updates on Brooks - no definitive timeline but he seems to be well on track and progressing well. He was supposed to be out for the season and perhaps back to the court in June. I'd consider him very iffy on whether he'd be ready in time though.

No recent updates on Ennis, but he is still in TO. He was at the Bioseteel game the other night I believe. Back in January there was an report on him that he was progressing well. Curious to see if anyone else has heard anything recently.

Dylan Ennis is a much better option than XRM in my opinion. Kenny Chery too but neither have been around the SNMT recently. Murray, SGA and Phil Scrubb are more PG/SGs anyway (same with CoJo and Pangos).

Jackson is awful and out with an blown Achilles. Tommy Scrubb could be our starting SF if Brooks is hurt and Wiggins no-shows (or we just run with three gaurd line-ups). I'd break down the positions a little different too because so many guess are really dual positional types. Is Olynyk a C of a PF? That depends on who is on the floor with him I suppose. I think a depth chart looks more like this:

Guards: Murray, Cojo, SGA, Pangos, Ennis, P. Scrubb
Wings: Wiggins, Brooks, Stuaskas, T. Scrubb
Perimeter Bigs: Olynyk, Powell, Lyles (doubt he plays), Ejim, Nicholson, Wiltjer, Bennett
Interior Bigs: Thompson, Birch, Boucher

I'd expect we'd take 2 interior bigs, 3 to 4 perimeter bigs and 6-7 guards/wings.