Team Canada Basketball Thread V2.0

[mojo13]

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[CharlieTO]

Is it safe to say Jamal Murray is going to be our go to guy on the court? He's growing right before our eyes this point season, Canada's best player I'd say. He must be putting up some of the better numbers by a Canadian in an NBA post season.

[TheFutureMM]

Is it safe to say Jamal Murray is going to be our go to guy on the court? He's growing right before our eyes this point season, Canada's best player I'd say. He must be putting up some of the better numbers by a Canadian in an NBA post season.

Definitely our best offensive player at this point - will likely be our focal point on offense this summer if he plays.

[Gday_eh]

Games vs NZ and USA announced today:

So this is what we have so far....

Canada Basketball's FIBA WC exhibition schedule so far:

Aug 9: Canada vs Nigeria @ Winnipeg
Aug 11: Canada vs Nigeria @ Hamilton*
Aug 16: Australia vs CAN@ Perth
Aug 17: Australia vs CAN @ Perth
Aug 20: CAN vs NZ @ Sydney
Aug 21: CAN vs NZ @ Sydney
Aug 26: CAN vs USA @ Sydney

*Hamilton not officially announced.


Was hoping for a game or two against a decent European team to help us better prepare for Lithuania.

I imagine the appearance fee for the Canada/U.S. game will be rather substantial. I'm a little surprised they are not playing N.Z. in Auckland - given that it's only a 3 hour flight from Sydney. I'm fine with New Zealand as an opponent ( they gave us a strong game in 2016 in the Philippines ) - you take what you can get when your Canada Basketball and have next to no money.

Hopefully getting 7 exhibition games as well as acclimatizing to the general time zone will help Team Canada get prepared. I wonder what other countries are doing?

Regarding the NZ game in Sydney, there are probably more Kiwi's here than any other place but Auckland. They are very supportive of anything NZ and will come out in full force.

I bought tickets to the 2 x Perth games against Australia when they first came out not knowing that the other games would be here in Sydney. While it is a bummer, I still am looking forward to 6 days in Perth as it is beautiful over there (and the missus is happy to go). I bought tickets for the 2nd NZ game (as I'll be in Perth still for the 1st) but I just couldn't justify the $360 per ticket for only average seats against the yanks...

Looking forward to seeing the boys play, it will the first time since the 2000 Olympics.

Hoping to get to see Kelly play at least one of the games and catch up with him while he is here.

[mojo13]

Is it safe to say Jamal Murray is going to be our go to guy on the court? He's growing right before our eyes this point season, Canada's best player I'd say. He must be putting up some of the better numbers by a Canadian in an NBA post season.

Definitely our best offensive player at this point - will likely be our focal point on offense this summer if he plays.

Yeah - I think he has been our best offensive player for awhile now (his no-fear clutchness is such a weapon). Defense is not his strong suit and he is definitely the targeted guard for Denver - but that could be just as much because Gary Harris is so good defensively. It is still early for SGA, but I can see him being a better two way player if he keeps up the pace of progression. I personally think SGA has the highest upside of anyone right now (Barrett included).

Question I pose to the group is where you want Murray playing for Canada? PG or SG? His PG skills are not great and Denver is basically running through Jokic as their PG. But you can see Murray is getting better facilitating and making decisions.

Personally - since CoJo is so versatile and KO facilitates well too, I'd have Murray and CoJo starting along side each other - both in a combo role, but Murray initiating more (in conjunction with KO). CoJo plays allot of off-ball and it would free him up to be the defensive dog guarding the opposing teams best guard and balancing off Murray's defensive weaknesses. My question still remains at SF (or 3rd guard perhaps?). SGA the best player, but maybe he is better in a reserve role? Stauskas? Brooks if healthy?
Stauskas is a decent secondary initiator and has played lead PG in the NBA often enough (is his obvious NBA defensive weakness mitigated against FIBA competition?). I'm still not even considering Wiggins playing, but I guess I have to throw that into the realm of possibility.

Maybe we are still lost in thinking about positions (PG/SG/SF) and it really doesn't matter. Just blend all the guards/wings together and get after it. We really have no pure (old school) PG among SGA, Murray, CoJo, Pangos, Scrubb, XRM - Tyler Ennis would be the closest thing (but probably not in the mix). But this is probably a good thing because they can all play PG pretty well (even Stuaskas) and you can throw 2 or 3 of them out there at a time to relieve pressure off each other. Our forwards are pretty darn versatile too - the main question being can we defend the paint against bulky, strong old school bigs (less a concern in the NBA, but still possibly a FIBA issue).

[UcanUwill]

Is it safe to say Jamal Murray is going to be our go to guy on the court? He's growing right before our eyes this point season, Canada's best player I'd say. He must be putting up some of the better numbers by a Canadian in an NBA post season.

Hes definitely Canada's best player, but I dont think team will have clear go to guy.

[BilboBanginz]

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Some news on some other guys who have yet to receive combine invites.

[BilboBanginz]

Some thoughts on the Canadian guys from the latest ESPN/Draftexpress guys ( I don't have a ESPN+ account. Stole it from Reddit):

http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/26669678/scouting-nba-draft-lottery-prospects-strengths-comps-intel

3. RJ Barrett | G/F | Duke Age: 18.8

The son of longtime professional basketball player Rowan Barrett, RJ was identified as the next great thing in Canadian basketball prior to even enrolling in high school. He made his debut with the national team at age 14, leading his team to a silver medal at the Under-16 FIBA Americas Championship. He rose up the ranks and proved himself as the best player in his class in every setting after that.

Perhaps what he became most known for was his MVP performance at the FIBA U19 World Championships, where at age 17 he helped take down Team USA with a 38-point, 13-rebound, five-assist performance to win Canada's first gold at the international level. He also led the Nike EYBL in scoring at the age of 16, won MVP of the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp and helped Montverde win the Geico national championship. He elected to reclassify and enter college a year early, as he had nothing left to prove at the high school level, enrolling at Duke as the consensus No. 1 prospect in his recruiting class. -- Givony

Strengths

Has prototypical size, length and frame for an NBA wing at 6-foot-7 with a 6-10 wingspan at 208 pounds. Unique athlete in terms of coordination, fluidity, body control and quickness. Plays at different speeds.
Has evolved over his career into a ballhandling guard who is comfortable as a primary creator and facilitator. At his best in the open court, but is also a very capable option in pick-and-roll and isolation situations. Uses his size and high basketball IQ to see over the top of defenses and deliver pinpoint passes. He's also a solid shooter off the dribble. Incisive driver who uses his strong frame to get into the paint, initiate contact, finish from awkward angles and get to the free throw line at a prolific rate.
Has an alpha-dog mentality and wants to win at all costs. Plays with a laser focus and is not afraid of big moments. Competitor who plays with toughness and physicality. Won't turn 19 until the week of the draft.

Improvement areas

Improved shooter, but still made only 31 percent of his 3s this season and 67 percent of his free throw attempts. Doesn't have the most natural shooting stroke -- jumper looks rigid and flat at times, leading to bad misses.
Not a very efficient overall scorer. Very left-hand dominant. Killer mentality, aggressiveness get the best of him at times. Shot-selection and decision-making were questionable at times as a freshman, especially in late-game situations. Lack of shooting around him at Duke made it easier for opposing defenses to accentuate his weaknesses.
Shows great potential at times defensively, but isn't consistent enough in this area.
Projected role: Primary creator and go-to scorer

Range: Nos. 2-3

12. Brandon Clarke | F | Gonzaga Age: 22.6

After sitting out last season following his transfer from San Jose State, Clarke came out of nowhere to become one of the most efficient collegiate players in the past decade, posting a 37.6 PER as a redshirt junior. The best player on a loaded Gonzaga team, Clarke displayed leaping ability, motor, defensive versatility and offensive efficiency that impressed scouts and analytics models -- though he remains one of the more divisive prospects in the draft.

To some, he's a perfect fit in the modern NBA and a clear option in the lottery, yet others are deterred by his physical profile and lack of perimeter skill. Given his nearly unprecedented efficiency along with some of the skepticism around him, Clarke will be one of the more interesting prospects to follow on draft night and beyond. -- Schmitz

Strengths

Pogo-stick athlete who finishes everything around the rim. Lob and tip-dunk threat. No. 1 finisher in college basketball in the half court (minimum 175 attempts), converting 74.3 percent of his shots at the rim. Has touch on floaters as well. Uses his leaping ability and high motor to have an impact on the offensive glass (4.4 offensive rebounds per 40).
Versatile defender who can switch onto the perimeter and rim-protect despite his sub-par length. Picture-perfect verticality technique. Outstanding timing and instincts with quick-leaping ability. Ranks third in ESPN's Top 100 in block percentage (10.8). Blocks 4.3 shots per 40 minutes. Shot-blocking allows him to play the 5 in small-ball lineups, which is his most advantageous position offensively. Quick feet on the perimeter. Looked comfortable stepping out and defending guards like Jarrett Culver for stretches. Perfect defensive fit in the modern NBA.
Solid offensive feel for the game. Can facilitate from the elbows. Savvy interior passer. Embraces his role. Plays a super efficient brand of basketball. Shows some potential as a jump shooter despite low volume (his 69.4 percent from the free throw line is encouraging).

Improvement areas

Doesn't possess elite physical tools for a modern 4/5 at 6-foot-8 with narrow shoulders, short arms and small hands. Lacks a degree of physical upside at age 22.6. Upright runner with choppy steps. Can he handle the league's jumbo bigs when he's at center?
Offensive game is better suited for the center spot, because he doesn't space the floor as a shooter or handle the ball that cleanly. Shoots on the way down in mid-range spots. Has taken only 25 career 3s in 2,631 minutes. Upright with the ball in his hands. Predictable off the bounce, too often driving hard left and trying to spin back right.
Lacks a degree of fundamentals defensively. Upright in his stance. Gets by on instincts and athletic gifts at this stage.
Projected role: Modern small-ball big

Range: Nos. 12-18

[aminiaturebuddha]

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Some news on some other guys who have yet to receive combine invites.

I wonder if Lawson declining basically means that he's already decided to go back to school? I really think that would be the smart choice for him.

[aminiaturebuddha]

Question I pose to the group is where you want Murray playing for Canada? PG or SG? His PG skills are not great and Denver is basically running through Jokic as their PG. But you can see Murray is getting better facilitating and making decisions.

I would definitely want Murray starting nominally at the SG position, although you're right that in lineups with CoJo, he could end up facilitating much more, especially running pick-and-rolls with Olynyk.

If Murray, SGA, CoJo, Stauskas and Pangos are all available and on the team I think you would want one of CoJo or SGA on the court at all times for defensive purposes.

The great thing about that group on offence, as you point out, is that they can all facilitate, and they do it willingly. Regardless of position designations, this should mean a lot of great ball movement (assuming the program finally gets off their butts and chooses a coach who will preach this kind of system). The main hesitation that most of us have with slotting Wiggins into a key role on the team next to these guys is that he's a ball stopper. That's why, even if it might sacrifice a bit of size, athleticism, and maybe even talent, the team might actually be better off often going with 3-guard lineups rather than rolling the dice with Wiggins or reaching deep into our suspect SF depth.

[mojo13]

A couple other recently updated Mock Drafts:

May 5 - Tankathon (one of the better ones IMO nowadays):
3. RJ Barrett
11. Brandon Clarke
16. Nickeil Alexander Walker
28. Mfiondu Kabengele
31. Luguentz Dort
40. Ignas Brazdeikis
http://www.tankathon.com/mock_draft



May 1 - Sporting News (Sean Deveney) - 1st Rd Only
2. RJ Barrett
14. Mfiondu Kabengele (!)
17. Brandon Clarke
20. Nickeil Alexander Walker
28. Ignas Brazdeikis
https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nba/news/nba-mock-draft-2019-zion-williamson-knicks-rj-barrett-ja-morant/1jr1zjhemxvv71efrwtl0rb9if

I've seen Kabengele declared a lottery pick by the Twitter-nerds. But this this is the first I have seen from mainstream media.

[mojo13]

Read on Twitter

Some news on some other guys who have yet to receive combine invites.

I wonder if Lawson declining basically means that he's already decided to go back to school? I really think that would be the smart choice for him.

The news on Lawson came from a Givony/DraftExpress Tweet. In the same thread he said there was confusion among players about what that G League Elite Camp is an who will be there (all NBA teams will have staff there) and that some may get invited to the Combine from that. Supposedly some players thought it was just for the G-League and no NBA staff would be there. The NBA needs to communicate the purpose of the G-League Elite Camp better and that may have been a reference to Lawson. However, it could just as easily mean he is withdrawing and going back to school.


Anyways - here is the official list of Combine invites:
RJ Barrett
Nickeil Alexander Walker
Brandon Clarke
Luguentz Dort
Simi Shittu
Mfiondu Kabengele
Ignas Brazdeikis

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[frumble]

NBC sports released its latest mock today:

https://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2019/05/08/nba-mock-draft-2019-draft-lottery/

Barrett 3
Clarke 9
NAW 14
Kabengele 27

[mojo13]

The prediction of Brandon Clarke as a top 10 pick is seeming more realistic.

Pretty crazy to think about considering he was on hardly anyone outside this forum’s radar a year ago.

[frumble]

NBA.com with a new big board (top 30):

https://ca.nba.com/news/nba-draft-2019-who-are-the-top-prospects-in-the-2019-nba-draft-big-board-mock-draft/1a9z1wcyjy2sy1e9drnh2fyn6z

Barrett 3
NAW 12
Clarke 17
Kabengele 25
Dort 28

[NotMyKawhi]

who's the next canadian after this year?

[Mattd97]

who's the next canadian after this year?

Kawhi Leonard's kid

[frumble]

who's the next canadian after this year?

I would guess one of the guys who has declared for this year but ends up not staying in - like Lawson or Nembhard.

Beyond them, I still hold out some hope Akot can turn things around at Boise State.
Maybe McEwen has an outside chance if he does very well at Marquette, but his age will be a negative factor.

[Hair Canada]

Latest big board from Sam Vecenie of The Athletic:

3. Barrett
11. Clarke
21. NAW
28. Dort
41. Kabengele
55. Brazdeikis
69. Simi
90. Nembhard
93. Lawson

[frumble]

Latest big board from Sam Vecenie of The Athletic:

3. Barrett
11. Clarke
21. NAW
28. Dort
41. Kabengele
55. Brazdeikis
69. Simi
90. Nembhard
93. Lawson

Wigginton and Shayok not even in the top 100?