Team Canada Basketball Thread V2.0

[TrueNorth31]

Getting back to relevance ( this is not a thread about the future of the Lithuanian National Team ) Grange tweets nothing is imminent regarding the coaching situation.

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[TrueNorth31]

Latest Game of Zones featuring our own Andrew Wiggins.

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[UcanUwill]

I hear you. Good thing for you is that he probably won't be missed. You have a pretty stacked team anyway. Lithuania on the other hand could really use someone like him in a couple years. We've been running on fumes for like half a decade now...

What the Lithuanian press doesn't say and has been explored in depth previously on this thread is that Iggy is considered Canadian property by Fiba by virtue of playing as a 17 year old for Canada at the U17 worlds.

To play for Lithuania - Fiba would have to agree to change his designation and generally they only do that if the affected party -Canada agrees. I would suggest nothing will happen on this front given the 2 countries play each other in the Worlds. Perhaps after the current Olympic Quadrennial if the Lithuanian federation coughs up enough cash to Canada for developing this player internationally - something might happen.

He'll dedicate this summer to NBA draft anyway. And when there's referendum about double citizenship and there's no guarantees it will pass. President can grant citizenship but only in special cases so no guarantees here either. So, guys, don't spit into Iggy's well just yet

Considering Ignas is Lithuanian born in Kaunas, I really doubt they would decline him citizenship. Lithuania will have a referendum on dual citizenship and I really hope that passes, because current skin-headish law is freaking terrible.

[TheFutureMM]

So which NBA Canadians are in the playoffs starting tonight and who is at home resting for the World Cup?

Playoffs:

Birch - Orlando Magic
Boucher - Toronto Raptors
Gilgeous-Alexander - LA Clippers
Joseph - Indiana Pacers
Lyles - Denver Nuggets (he almost doesn't count)
Murray - Denver Nuggets

Resting:

Brooks - Memphis Grizzlies
Olynyk - Miami Heat
Powell - Dallas Mavericks
Stauskas - Cleveland Cavaliers
Thompson - Cleveland Cavaliers
Wiggins - Minnesota Timberwolves

Did I miss anyone?

[team edward]

Running summary of the 2019 NBA Draft - Canadian Content

RJ Barrett - Unknown. Most likely entering. Top 5 pick.
Brandon Clarke - Unknown. Very likely entering. Probable lottery pick.
Nickeil Alexander Walker - Unknown. Likely entering. Possible Lottery pick.
Luguentz Dort - Declared. Possible 1st round pick.
Mfiondu Kabengele - Unknown. Possible 1st round pick.
Simi Shittu - Declared. Announced intent to remain in draft. Probable mid-2nd round pick.
Marial Shayok - Declared. Senior. Late 2nd to undrafted.
Lindell Wigginton - Declared. Announced intent to remain in draft. Late second to undrafted.
Oshae Brissett - Declared. Testing, has not hired agent. Likely undrafted.



Ignas Brazdeikis - Unknown. Likely stays.
Andrew Nembhard. Unknown. Likely stays.
AJ Lawson - Unknown. Likely stays.

Anyone else I missed?

Good rundown.

I would add:

Kyle Alexander - Senior. Late 2nd to undrafted.

This is really impressive. Top 5, two lotteries, 3 1st and a handful of 2nd.

[TrueNorth31]

The Mavericks are looking to extend Dwight Powell per Mark Cuban ( he can opt out of his contract this year ). Keeping players signed is crucial to their participation for Team Canada. Here's some details on the potential extension.

"For all these reasons, you can see the attraction to Dallas retaining Powell. And you can see why Powell would be open to such a move. That does not, however, make this "automatic'' or "immediate.'' The financial side of this is that Powell, should he agree to the extension Cuban plans to propose, can get a raise of up to 20 percent in the first new year and then raises of eight percent after that. That arrangement would add up thusly: The $10.3 mil for next year, then $12.36 mil (in 2020-21), then $13.35 mil (in 2021-22) then $14.35 mil (in 2022-23) = $50.3 mil for four years."

https://247sports.com/nba/mavericks/Article/Mavs-choosing-50M-extension-of-Dwight-Powell-hes-agreeable-and-also-choosing-to-eat-a-burger-131126342/

Powell seems to like Dallas and they seem to like him so hopefully something gets done. Dallas has the advantage of no State taxes in Texas as well as the level of familiarity both sides seem to have.

[mojo13]

I thought this was a pretty cool stat to see on Powell.

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Set the single season offensive rating record. I'm actually a little surprised to see some historical Tristan Thompson seasons on this list.

[frumble]

That's impressive re Powell.

...

NBAdraft.net with the following draft ranges for early entrants:

Barrett: top 5
NAW: 10-20
Kabengele 20-45
Dort: 32-50
Shittu: 32-50
Brazdeikis: 35-50
Wigginton: 40-undrafted
Brissett: 45-undrafted
Nembhard: 50-undrafted

[CharlieTO]

Shai Gilgeous-Alexanderis is playing beyond his years. He's a real mature kid with a lot of poise and with the playoff experience he's getting under his belt and how he's responding I'm curious how he'll be slotted in a Canadian back court rotation at the world cup. Jamal Murray had a tough first playoff game of his career but responded in a huge way tonight with a 24 point performance in game 2 vs the Spurs. NBA playoff experience is extremely valuable, especially if you perform well and at a high level so with the way these guys are playing I'm curious, do you slot these guys ahead of Cory Joseph?

[Hair Canada]

Shai Gilgeous-Alexanderis is playing beyond his years. He's a real mature kid with a lot of poise and with the playoff experience he's getting under his belt and how he's responding I'm curious how he'll be slotted in a Canadian back court rotation at the world cup. Jamal Murray had a tough first playoff game of his career but responded in a huge way tonight with a 24 point performance in game 2 vs the Spurs. NBA playoff experience is extremely valuable, especially if you perform well and at a high level so with the way these guys are playing I'm curious, do you slot these guys ahead of Cory Joseph?

Good question. For me, first, I'd be thrilled if they can both come. Not at all a certainty at this point (especially Shai I think).

But assuming they all show up, it's clear that Murray and Shai are more talented that CoJo, but CoJo with much more experience, generally and playing FIBA. But perhaps it's not even a matter of either or. With the SF situation and uncertainty, I can see the three of them playing together in a smaller but talented backcourt that can provide good defense and decision making. And even if not, they can all get significant minutes, so doesn't really matter who starts.

[PoundTown]

Shai Gilgeous-Alexanderis is playing beyond his years. He's a real mature kid with a lot of poise and with the playoff experience he's getting under his belt and how he's responding I'm curious how he'll be slotted in a Canadian back court rotation at the world cup. Jamal Murray had a tough first playoff game of his career but responded in a huge way tonight with a 24 point performance in game 2 vs the Spurs. NBA playoff experience is extremely valuable, especially if you perform well and at a high level so with the way these guys are playing I'm curious, do you slot these guys ahead of Cory Joseph?

Good question. For me, first, I'd be thrilled if they can both come. Not at all a certainty at this point (especially Shai I think).

But assuming they all show up, it's clear that Murray and Shai are more talented that CoJo, but CoJo with much more experience, generally and playing FIBA. But perhaps it's not even a matter of either or. With the SF situation and uncertainty, I can see the three of them playing together in a smaller but talented backcourt that can provide good defense and decision making. And even if not, they can all get significant minutes, so doesn't really matter who starts.

If Shai can accept the backup, 6th man role, I think Cory’s leadership and defense is great in starting lineup and shai could anchor the offence on second unit better than cojo. Just more balance that way, and if anyone deserves that respect from team Canada and the coaches, it’s him. Like you said, all three can finish the game if need be. Shai is going to be a good one.

[mojo13]

Both Brandon Clarke and AJ Lawson declared for the draft today.
Clarke not immediately signing an agent (somewhat a surprise). Lawson not hiring one either (not a surprise).

Re: Lawson it doesn't hurt to declare nowadays so I am becoming less surprised to see guys like Lawson, Nembhard, Brissett declare, get some feedback and probably return to school.

[UcanUwill]

Pangos had a good first game in Euroleague playoff stage, 12 points, 2/4 from the three, but Barcelona lost first game in Istanbul. Second game later today in Barcelona, best of 5 series.

Murray I imagine is more of the 2 on team Canada, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is probably a starting PG, but I think Pangos is a better fit than Cory Joseph to be a backup PG, at least thats my opinion.

[BilboBanginz]

Anyone know this guy? Does he have a chance?

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[mojo13]

Anyone know this guy? Does he have a chance?

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I’d guess as probably not (no one on the interwebs seems to be taking this declaration too seriously), but no harm in declaring. He is from Senegal so not really someone I have paid attention to. Here is some background on him:

https://www.thestar.com/sports/basketball/2018/11/22/ryerson-seven-footer-tanor-ngom-hopes-to-break-u-sport-barrier-in-nba-draft.html

[TrueNorth31]

Anyone know this guy? Does he have a chance?

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I’d guess as probably not (no one on the interwebs seems to be taking this declaration too seriously), but no harm in declaring. He is from Senegal so not really someone I have paid attention to. Here is some background on him:

https://www.thestar.com/sports/basketball/2018/11/22/ryerson-seven-footer-tanor-ngom-hopes-to-break-u-sport-barrier-in-nba-draft.html

I've seen him live - absolutely legit length with not a bad frame either. Moves okay , but is extremely raw and not that strong.

He is not a Canadian ( Rana found him at some Nike international camp ). I imagine he wants to get on the pro radar and get some feedback. May be better suited to play against professionals ( if school isn't his thing - at his size he can be a pro somewhere), matching up against players his size to get better. There's just not many basketball players in the world who are that tall.

[mojo13]

Marial Shayok has a good PIT Invitational run.
Made the all tournament team and led all players in PER.

He’s 24 but could still has a legit shot of being drafted in the 2nd or picking up a Two way contract. Far from a sure thing, but I’d half to guess a 50/50 shot.

[aminiaturebuddha]

SGA having a coming out party right now against Golden State. He's already got 25 points part way through the 3rd quarter, and the announcers are all just raving about him.

[aminiaturebuddha]

Marial Shayok has a good PIT Invitational run.
Made the all tournament team and led all players in PER.

He’s 24 but could still has a legit shot of being drafted in the 2nd or picking up a Two way contract. Far from a sure thing, but I’d half to guess a 50/50 shot.

I would think Shayok is exactly the kind of guy some teams would target in the 2nd round. There's a pretty good track record of solid, upperclassmen wing players like that finding a role in the NBA - Spencer Dinwiddie, Khris Middleton, Pat Connaughton, James Ennis, and Wes Iwundu are all examples of players like that getting solid minutes in the post-season right now.

[Hair Canada]

Marial Shayok has a good PIT Invitational run.
Made the all tournament team and led all players in PER.

He’s 24 but could still has a legit shot of being drafted in the 2nd or picking up a Two way contract. Far from a sure thing, but I’d half to guess a 50/50 shot.

I would think Shayok is exactly the kind of guy some teams would target in the 2nd round. There's a pretty good track record of solid, upperclassmen wing players like that finding a role in the NBA - Spencer Dinwiddie, Khris Middleton, Pat Connaughton, James Ennis, and Wes Iwundu are all examples of players like that getting solid minutes in the post-season right now.

Actually, I thought he had a pretty disappointing camp. He started out really strong with 37 and 9/11 from 3 in his first game. But then he had 4 points on 1/12 from the field in his second game (the ball just wouldn't go in and he was forcing shots, although he did pass much better than usual), and 10 points, shooting 5/14 in his last game. All in all, I don't think these games helped him much, though luckily there's the whole season with Iowa State, in which he was very good and very stable (IS best player) and shot the ball well.

Actually, the main problem I see with Shayok is not his offense. He can shoot it and be an efficient scoring threat from the bench (though he does turn it over too much and tends to have a tunnel vision). The main issue is actually his defense, which was very mediocre all year. Despite having a 7+ wingspan, he doesn't have good awareness, he's not very quick or athletic, and his effort level also wavered. Maybe it was partly the heavy offensive load at IS, but he just didn't show that he can be a good NBA defender. That's unfortunate, because that could have been the thing that separates him. Still hoping he'll get a chance but he'll have to defend at a higher level to stay in the league.