Team Canada Basketball Thread V2.0

[MD0817]

Today Lithuanian NT coach announced preliminary 24-name roster. Most likely 18 players will be called up to the camps, some guys are still under the question due to injuries or didn't make their decisions yet if they'll join NT. It will be clear at the beginning of July. Overall no surprises, and no Motiejūnas as expected. Here's the list:

PG: Mantas Kalnietis ("ASVEL", France), Lukas Lekavičius („Panathinaikos“, Greece), Žygimantas Janavičius („Skycop“, Lithuania), Dovis Bičkauskis („Juventus“, Lithuania).
SG: Renaldas Seibutis ("Zaragoza", Spain), Marius Grigonis („Žalgiris“, Lithuania), Adas Juškevičius ("Nanterre 92", France), Artūras Milaknis („Žalgiris“, Lithuania).
SF: Jonas Mačiulis ("AEK", Greece), Edgaras Ulanovas („Žalgiris“, Lithuania), Arnas Butkevičius („Rytas“, Lithuania), Rokas Giedraitis ("ALBA Berlin", Germany).
PF: Mindaugas Kuzminskas („AX Armani Milan“, Italy), Eimantas Bendžius („Rytas“, Lithuania), Paulius Jankūnas („Žalgiris“, Lithuania), Gytis Masiulis ("Neptūnas", Lithuania).
C: Jonas Valančiūnas („Memphis Grizzlies“, NBA), Domantas Sabonis („Indiana Pacers“, NBA), Antanas Kavaliauskas („Žalgiris“, Lithuania), Martynas Echodas („Rytas“, Lithuania), Martinas Gebenas („Juventus“, Lithuania), Artūras Gudaitis („AX Armani Milan“, Italy), Evaldas Kairys („Rytas“, Lithuania), Egidijus Mockevičius ("Pesaro", Italy).

Positions are just provisional, as some guys might be moved elsewhere

[UcanUwill]

Today Lithuanian NT coach announced preliminary 24-name roster. Most likely 18 players will be called up to the camps, some guys are still under the question due to injuries or didn't make their decisions yet if they'll join NT. It will be clear at the beginning of July. Overall no surprises, and no Motiejūnas as expected. Here's the list:

PG: Mantas Kalnietis ("ASVEL", France), Lukas Lekavičius („Panathinaikos“, Greece), Žygimantas Janavičius („Skycop“, Lithuania), Dovis Bičkauskis („Juventus“, Lithuania).
SG: Renaldas Seibutis ("Zaragoza", Spain), Marius Grigonis („Žalgiris“, Lithuania), Adas Juškevičius ("Nanterre 92", France), Artūras Milaknis („Žalgiris“, Lithuania).
SF: Jonas Mačiulis ("AEK", Greece), Edgaras Ulanovas („Žalgiris“, Lithuania), Arnas Butkevičius („Rytas“, Lithuania), Rokas Giedraitis ("ALBA Berlin", Germany).
PF: Mindaugas Kuzminskas („AX Armani Milan“, Italy), Eimantas Bendžius („Rytas“, Lithuania), Paulius Jankūnas („Žalgiris“, Lithuania), Gytis Masiulis ("Neptūnas", Lithuania).
C: Jonas Valančiūnas („Memphis Grizzlies“, NBA), Domantas Sabonis („Indiana Pacers“, NBA), Antanas Kavaliauskas („Žalgiris“, Lithuania), Martynas Echodas („Rytas“, Lithuania), Martinas Gebenas („Juventus“, Lithuania), Artūras Gudaitis („AX Armani Milan“, Italy), Evaldas Kairys („Rytas“, Lithuania), Egidijus Mockevičius ("Pesaro", Italy).

Positions are just provisional, as some guys might be moved elsewhere

If all healthy and accept to play, I expect :

C : Jonas Valančiūnas / Antanas Kavaliauskas / Martynas Echodas
PF : Domantas Sabonis / Paulius Jankūnas /
SF : Edgaras Ulanovas / Mindaugas Kuzminskas / Rokas Giedraitis
SG : Marius Grigonis / Adas Juškevičius / Artūras Milaknis
PG : Lukas Lekavičius / Mantas Kalnietis

2 good bigs and some decent shooting, but looks worse than Canada and Australia. It all depends what bigs Aussies and Canadians bring up, only way Lithuania beats them is if Valanciunas goes off, he is their one shining hope. Grigonis, milaknis and Juskevicius can always get hot from 3 too.

[MD0817]

If all healthy and accept to play, I expect :

C : Jonas Valančiūnas / Antanas Kavaliauskas / Martynas Echodas
PF : Domantas Sabonis / Paulius Jankūnas /
SF : Edgaras Ulanovas / Mindaugas Kuzminskas / Rokas Giedraitis
SG : Marius Grigonis / Adas Juškevičius / Artūras Milaknis
PG : Lukas Lekavičius / Mantas Kalnietis

2 good bigs and some decent shooting, but looks worse than Canada and Australia. It all depends what bigs Aussies and Canadians bring up, only way Lithuania beats them is if Valanciunas goes off, he is their one shining hope. Grigonis, milaknis and Juskevicius can always get hot from 3 too.

PG is pretty much obvious - Kalnietis as a starter and Lekavičius as back up
SG I think will be different - Grigonis obvious starter, then I bet that Seibutis will make it, he is having excellent season with Zaragoza, which just knocked out Baskonia out of Spanish PO and Seibutis played major role in it. Guy looks reborn. Decent defense, huge experience, can take PG role at some point, no way he will be left out IMO
SF/PF Ulanovas, Kuzminskas are two locks
PF/C Sabonis, then of course Valančiūnas

These are 8 guys who surely should make it. Then if healthy, no doubt there'll be Gudaitis as back-up C. He had great Euroleague season before injury. But there are many doubts about him. Will he be ready, in what kind of shape, will Milan allow him to play, hard to say. But if ready, he is surely the best option out of other guys in list. Then I think if healthy and be willing to join, Jankūnas will be there, the same goes with Mačiulis as SF/PF option. But actually all these 3 guys can easily skip the tournament due to health issues.
Last place will be in backcourt, Milaknis is one of the best shooters in Euroleague, but in our coach schemes such pure shooters aren't finding their place. So it might be Giedraitis, who is good shooter, and overall more versatile player

[UcanUwill]

If all healthy and accept to play, I expect :

C : Jonas Valančiūnas / Antanas Kavaliauskas / Martynas Echodas
PF : Domantas Sabonis / Paulius Jankūnas /
SF : Edgaras Ulanovas / Mindaugas Kuzminskas / Rokas Giedraitis
SG : Marius Grigonis / Adas Juškevičius / Artūras Milaknis
PG : Lukas Lekavičius / Mantas Kalnietis

2 good bigs and some decent shooting, but looks worse than Canada and Australia. It all depends what bigs Aussies and Canadians bring up, only way Lithuania beats them is if Valanciunas goes off, he is their one shining hope. Grigonis, milaknis and Juskevicius can always get hot from 3 too.

PG is pretty much obvious - Kalnietis as a starter and Lekavičius as back up
SG I think will be different - Grigonis obvious starter, then I bet that Seibutis will make it, he is having excellent season with Zaragoza, which just knocked out Baskonia out of Spanish PO and Seibutis played major role in it. Guy looks reborn. Decent defense, huge experience, can take PG role at some point, no way he will be left out IMO
SF/PF Ulanovas, Kuzminskas are two locks
PF/C Sabonis, then of course Valančiūnas

These are 8 guys who surely should make it. Then if healthy, no doubt there'll be Gudaitis as back-up C. He had great Euroleague season before injury. But there are many doubts about him. Will he be ready, in what kind of shape, will Milan allow him to play, hard to say. But if ready, he is surely the best option out of other guys in list. Then I think if healthy and be willing to join, Jankūnas will be there, the same goes with Mačiulis as SF/PF option. But actually all these 3 guys can easily skip the tournament due to health issues.
Last place will be in backcourt, Milaknis is one of the best shooters in Euroleague, but in our coach schemes such pure shooters aren't finding their place. So it might be Giedraitis, who is good shooter, and overall more versatile player

Milaknis is far from one of the best shootersi in euroleague, i think hes very overrated as a shooter, but he has his moments.
Maybe you are right about seibutis, I used to love his energy, but last time i saw him, he looked completely washed..
I expect gudaitis to not be ready, if he is, he makes it, should have been all Euroleague second team if stayed healthy, dont get me started on that scrub Tavares, i already said what I think of his awards on international board.

[MD0817]

Milaknis is far from one of the best shootersi in euroleague, i think hes very overrated as a shooter, but he has his moments.
Maybe you are right about seibutis, I used to love his energy, but last time i saw him, he looked completely washed..
I expect gudaitis to not be ready, if he is, he makes it, should have been all Euroleague second team if stayed healthy, dont get me started on that scrub Tavares, i already said what I think of his awards on international board.

Well, I rate Milaknis higher here, he is not some Jaycee Carroll of course and maybe I should've added pure shooters, but it doesn't change the whole picture much. Let's agree to disagree. Anyway, such player under good system, like in Žalgiris, is very valuable, one of the most important players for Jasikevičius. But for some reason our NT coach can't find a place for a players like that, can't use them properly. Sadly coaching might be huge problem. Adomaitis is kinda stubborn coach and learned some flexibility only lately when moved to Rytas. But there's no way he is close to our previous head coach Kazlauskas, who managed to bring this quite average generation to two Eurobasket finals, to 4th place in World Cup 2014 and to Olympics. He will be badly missed and this will be our big handicap.
Regarding Seibutis, I guess most of us lost all the hopes about him after his season in Žalgiris few years ago. He indeed looked completely washed. But guy proved that still has some gas left in him.

[Mirotic12]

Even if Gudaitis and Maciulis can't play due to injuries, I still like Lithuania's list of players better than Australia's.

[UcanUwill]

serbia announced preliminary list. Talk about STACKED.

http://www.fiba.basketball/basketballworldcup/2019/news/gold-medal-candidates-serbia-announce-their-deepest-squad-in-years

Even if Gudaitis and Maciulis can't play due to injuries, I still like Lithuania's list of players better than Australia's.

yeah, no... Patrick Mills. Ben Simmons, Joe Ingles. Brock Motum, Aaron Baynes, Ryan Broekoff, Andrew Bogut, Lithuanians 7-12 th guys are better, but Australias 1-6 th guys are way better. I hope Ben Simmons is complete FIBA bust, but we will see.

[BilboBanginz]

New Mock from Sam Vecenie:

https://theathletic.com/1010182/2019/06/07/vecenie-2019-nba-mock-draft-5-0-trade-discussions-impacting-projections/

3. New York Knicks — R.J. Barrett

6-7 wing, freshman, Duke

This is where things at least get somewhat interesting. The Knicks are thought around the league to be open to trade discussions involving the No. 3 pick. They obviously will be in the mix for Anthony Davis and are trying to determine what deals are potentially out on the market, and if there is something that the Pelicans may find more appealing than the No. 3 pick. Essentially, they are doing their due diligence on all potential outcomes, given that there are so many balls up in the air this summer. It’s also worth noting: if Davis is the fish they acquire, they cannot acquire him and use two max cap spaces after. They need to use the two max cap spots first, then acquire him due to the salary cap. Complicating things for teams heavily expected to be in the free agency mix this season? The draft is 10 days ahead of the start of free agency, leaving a lot of wiggle room for players trying to make long-term decisions on the city they’ll call home for the next four-to-five years. It’s not impossible that the Knicks have relative backchannel certainty on their free agency situation by June 20, but it’s unlikely — especially if the NBA Finals go seven games and don’t end until June 16.

Still, the prevailing thought right now is that they’ll take Barrett. He has yet to head to New York for a private meeting with the team, but is expected to soon. He did not work out at BDA’s pro day, and has thus far resisted overtures from Memphis to come in for a workout. And while the opinion league-wide about Barrett being the No. 3 prospect in this class is slightly less strong than that of Morant being the clear No. 2 guy — some around the league do prefer Darius Garland or Jarrett Culver to the Duke wing — it would be fair to say that a consensus has formed about him as the third guy. It would be a surprise to see him fall past No. 3. I’d guess the Knicks end up being the ones to make the choice, but it’s not open-and-shut.

11. Minnesota Timberwolves — Brandon Clarke

6-8 forward/center, redshirt junior, Gonzaga

The Timberwolves are another team that is tough to read right now. New lead basketball operations executive Gersson Rosas is making his first selection in that role after years in Houston. Following his hiring of Sachin Gupta as vice president of basketball operations, it’s reasonable to expect a data-heavy approach to team building. Rosas isn’t a “pure analytics” guy, having come up through the Rockets’ system as a video coordinator before becoming director of scouting and the No. 2 behind Daryl Morey, but it’s fair to assume that data will play a role.

Even despite his age and measurements being a hindrance in such measures, Clarke measures out well across NBA models, finding himself right in this range for most teams. In large part, that’s because Clarke’s production this season was off the charts. If not for the presence of Zion Williamson, Clarke would have set the single-season record for PER in college basketball over the last decade at 37.2. His 69.9 true-shooting percentage was absurd given that only about 50 percent of his shots inside the arc were assisted. Not since Anthony Davis has a player finished first in individual offensive and defensive rating.

Then, throw in the fact that he’s a perfect fit with Karl-Anthony Towns, and it’s extremely easy to get excited about Clarke’s potential in Minnesota. Clarke’s an elite level weak-side rim protector despite his lack of length due to his sense of timing and quickness off the ground. His mobility would also be a strong fit, as he’s capable of guarding players across the positional spectrum. With David Vanterpool being hired on Thursday to run the defense, it’s easy to imagine Minnesota running the same scheme Vanterpool ran in Portland, with Towns mostly playing drop coverage and staying around the basket, and Clarke playing the versatile Al-Farouq Aminu role. Offensively, Towns’ ability to stretch the floor from the center position would space the floor for Clarke’s rim-running and ability to operate in the mid-post. This is my favorite potential fit for any prospect in the draft.

17. Atlanta Hawks (from BKN) — Mfiondu Kabengele

6-10 center, redshirt sophomore, Florida State

I’ll be honest: I had Kabengele set for the Nets prior to their move out of No. 17 in the aforementioned Crabbe/Prince trade. There’s no way the Hawks take two centers with these picks. But here’s the thing: I’d be surprised if they end up using all of picks 8, 10, and 17. So I’m going to leave Kabengele here, and just note that around the NBA Kabengele has really risen up draft boards of late. His knees came back clean in terms of health after some NBA teams were worried about their long-term viability due to his consistent wearing of braces this season. From there, he’s taken that momentum and run with it, where he’s been a strong performer in workouts, showing off some skills that he didn’t necessarily get a chance to at Florida State as far as ball-handling and even further shooting acumen. Throw in that he measured well at the combine, and was one of the more productive players on a per-minute basis in college basketball this past season, and you have all the makings of a draft-day riser.

20. Boston Celtics (from LAC) — Nickeil Alexander-Walker

6-5 combo guard, sophomore, Virginia Tech

Alexander-Walker recently worked out with the Celtics and, sources said, performed extremely well in front of their brass. He also fits something of a positional need now in the backcourt with the team potentially losing Kyrie Irving and Terry Rozier in free agency. More of a combo-guard, secondary creator than a pure point guard, the former Hokie is a very skilled player who can run pick-and-rolls, split double-teams, and get into the paint. He can also knock down shots from distance and create plays for others at some level. The big concern here is overall athleticism in regards to potential future star power. Because of that, he profiles best next to a high-level creator. Still, this would be a good value at No. 20 for anyone.

36. Charlotte Hornets (from WAS) — Luguentz Dort

6-4 off-guard, freshman, Arizona State

Dort had a strong freshman season for the Sun Devils, averaging nearly 17 points a night. But his jump shot and lack of point guard skills give evaluators pause when trying to determine a role for him at the next level. The good news is that the jumper is improving and has already made legitimate strides since he left Tempe, and his defensive ability is unquestioned due to his tenacity on ball.

50. Indiana Pacers — Ignas Brazdeikis

6-7 forward, freshman, Michigan

This is higher than I’d take Brazdeikis, but his toughness would be something that the Pacers would likely value. His shooting ability has largely developed into a real positive over the last year, but there are serious questions on defense here that have thrown this up in the air as to whether or not Brazdeikis gets picked

[mojo13]

Even if Gudaitis and Maciulis can't play due to injuries, I still like Lithuania's list of players better than Australia's.

You feel that way in the 2016 Olympics too?


A few other notes from the past few days:

Reports are now saying Dwight Powell is supposedly opting-in (not out) of his $10MM last year and will be signing an extension with the Mavs early July. That should help his availability staying with the same team and not hanging out there in Free Agency.

Reports saying Khem Birch is reported getting a good deal of interest around the league - he is a RFA and the reports say the Magic really want to keep him. Supposedly the Sixers have the most interest but other teams are circling. He should be in line for a solid pay day. I really hope Nick Nurse comes in with an open mind and gives Birch a much more prominant role (if he plays).

Mifiondu Kabengele continues his meteoric rise. Not that I respect NBADraft.net much, but he is as high as #10 on their latest mock. Lots of others with him in the mid teens now (as seen above). Consensus on the mocks just shows he continues to rise and it is a real debate now about who the #2 Canadian picked will be. He could end up going above both Clarke and NAW.

Zion Williamson is in the Team USA camp roster - so hopefully we get access to RJ Barrett.

Seeing more and more talk about RJ dropping out of #3. Jarrett Culver seems to be over taking him in some mocks.

[aminiaturebuddha]

Reports saying Khem Birch is reported getting a good deal of interest around the league - he is a RFA and the reports say the Magic really want to keep him. Supposedly the Sixers have the most interest but other teams are circling. He should be in line for a solid pay day. I really hope Nick Nurse comes in with an open mind and gives Birch a much more prominant role (if he plays).

Mifiondu Kabengele continues his meteoric rise. Not that I respect NBADraft.net much, but he is as high as #10 on their latest mock. Lots of others with him in the mid teens now (as seen above). Consensus on the mocks just shows he continues to rise and it is a real debate now about who the #2 Canadian picked will be. He could end up going above both Clarke and NAW.

Zion Williamson is in the Team USA camp roster - so hopefully we get access to RJ Barrett.

Seeing more and more talk about RJ dropping out of #3. Jarrett Culver seems to be over taking him in some mocks.

Nick Nurse got a first hand look at how much of an impact Birch can make on the defensive end in the Raptors first round 5-game series against the Magic. I don't think we'll need to worry about Nurse having an open mind or not. I'm sure if he's on the team, Nurse will use him prominently in positions that will play to his strengths.

I've been on the Kabengele bandwagon since last year. I'm glad to see he finally seems to be getting some attention from scouts. I just hope he ends up in a good situation for him - one that will recognize that he still has things to work on, and allows him the freedom to develop and build his game.

I personally think a lot of the talk of other guys being taken over Barrett is just a smoke screen. The Knicks are currently contemplating any and all deals that may or may not even include trading away the draft pick. It's in their best interest to keep other teams guessing about what their real intentions are (same with any of the teams that will be picking in the next several picks after Zion).

[And1Skip]

Not sure where to post this but thought this was a nice The Jump interview with RJ Barrett with VC and Stephen Jackson in there to give him some advice and how RJ handled the questions were perfect. This kid is going to be great.

Watch on YouTube

[frumble]

Zion Williamson is in the Team USA camp roster - so hopefully we get access to RJ Barrett.

US 20-man training camp roster is out.

https://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2019/06/mnt-training-camp-players.aspx

Unfortunately, no Zion.

[Patman]

Zion Williamson is in the Team USA camp roster - so hopefully we get access to RJ Barrett.

US 20-man training camp roster is out.

https://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2019/06/mnt-training-camp-players.aspx

Unfortunately, no Zion.

He'll end up making the team just like AD did when he was a pup. The competition is not that steep.

[steadysoul]

Zion Williamson is in the Team USA camp roster - so hopefully we get access to RJ Barrett.

US 20-man training camp roster is out.

https://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2019/06/mnt-training-camp-players.aspx

Unfortunately, no Zion.

I swear no one actually paid attention to what was said. Zion was never invited to the 20 man roster. He was invited to the select team that has yet to be announced.

[frumble]

I thought there was an 18-man NBA roster and a 10-player "select squad".

So what is this new 20-man roster? Means nothing in terms of final team? (players from outside the 20-man roster can still make final team)?

[mojo13]

Zion Williamson is in the Team USA camp roster - so hopefully we get access to RJ Barrett.

US 20-man training camp roster is out.

https://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2019/06/mnt-training-camp-players.aspx

Unfortunately, no Zion.

I swear no one actually paid attention to what was said. Zion was never invited to the 20 man roster. He was invited to the select team that has yet to be announced.

His participation in the select team is meaningful alone. They also said he has a chance of making the main team.

[mojo13]

I thought there was an 18-man NBA roster and a 10-player "select squad".

So what is this new 20-man roster? Means nothing in terms of final team? (players from outside the 20-man roster can still make final team)?

They have already said the door is open for guys like Kwahi and others if they want to play. Select Team guys can make the team as well.

[mojo13]

Team France 15 man prelim roster announced:

Heurtel – Albicy – Ntilikina
De Colo – Fournier – Lacombe
Batum – Toupane – L.Cabarrot
Labeyrie – M’Baye – Moerman
Gobert – Lessort – Poirier

https://sportando.basketball/en/france-name-15-man-preliminary-roster-for-fiba-basketball-world-cup/

As a reminder we cross over to France's pool in the 2nd round (if we make it) and may need to beat them to get into the 1/4 finals. So for it is looking like France, Australia and Lithuania are preparing for China with pretty much full strength roster.

Mirotic/Ucanwill - Anyone of importance missing here for France? Whats your guess on a starting line-up / key players? I am not the biggest aficionado of French bball - but did my best at a depth chart above. Lauvergne is injured, Parker and Diaw have retired. Ajinça? Beaubois? Mahinmi? Séraphin? Noah? Or are they nowadays all just not really good enough for this team? I think there was issues with Ajiinca not getting alone with Parker/Diaw in the past, who still hold some sway.
This seems a good but definitely not unbeatable team to Canada. Would love to have seen Gobert missing - he is really the only intimidating piece.


EDIT - France announced 9 reserve players as well. Reserve players :
Théo Maledon – Alexandre Chassang - Moustapha Fall – Edwin Jackson – Lahaou Konate – Elie Okobo – Yakuba Ouattara – Léo Westermann – Guerschon Yabusele

Researching a rotation more, in backcourt obviously it will be Heurtel, De Colo, Fournier, Batum as the main 4. I can see Ntilikina not even making the team he is so bad on offense. Gobert is obvious with Poirier his main back-up. I'm lost at PF and could use some help there. Moerman it think had a better season an gets the nod?

[mojo13]

U19 Training Camp Roster Announced.

No Nembhard but Lawson is there.

Read on Twitter

?s=20

Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe
6’6"
Lakeshore, ON
Orangeville Prep.

Keon Ambrose-Hylton
6’7"
Whitby, ON
Andrews Osborne Academy

Charles Bediako
6’11"
Brampton, ON
Andrews Osborne Academy

Jaden Bediako
6’10"
Brampton, ON
Ridley College

Joel Brown
6’2"
Brampton, ON
Brewster Academy

Darius DeAveiro
5’11"
Ottawa, ON
RISE Academy

Thomas Kennedy
6’9"
Windsor, ON
University of Windsor

Benjamin Krikke
6’8.5"
Edmonton, AB
Jasper Place H.S

AJ Lawson
6’6"
Brampton, ON
University of South Carolina

Karim Mane
6’4"
Saint-Hubert, QC
Vanier College

Malachi Ndur
6’7"
St. Thomas, ON
Cushing Academy

Jahcobi Neath
6’4"
Toronto, ON
Crestwood Preparatory

Adam Paige
6’7"
Surrey, BC
University of Alberta

Wheza Panzo
6’5.5"
Mississauga, ON
Hamilton Heights

Josh Primo
6’4.5"
Mississauga, ON
Huntington Prep

Luka Sakota
6’5"
Etobicoke, ON
King’s Christian Collegiate

Tyrese Samuel
6’8"
LaSalle, QC
Orangeville Prep.

Damion Squire
5’11"
LaSalle, QC
University of California, Davis
Connor Vreeken

[Hair Canada]

Too bad Nembhard is not in. The best and most important player on this team. Lawson will have to take charge, but despite having a higher long-term ceiling, he's not as advanced and adept at leading a team right now.

Emanuel Miller not being in is also disheartening. Arguably the second best player on last year's team and the most important and consistent presence on the frontcourt. Big loss, especially considering that Nick Ongenda, Jevonnie Scott and Ben Hendriks are also not on the camp roster. Seems like we'll be dependent on Samuel and the Bediako brothers, which for me, is not great news.