Team Canada Basketball Thread V2.0

[frumble]

As for the team I am sure CoJo, KO and TT are locks as they are being used all over the place in the marketing.

SGA, Murray, Stauskas, Birch, Powell, Boucher have all stated publicly they want to play. I really have no insight on Murray and SGA. But feel good about Birch and Powell.
Pangos, Ejim, both Scrubbs, Wiltjer have all stated publicly they want to play as well.
Stauskas is still the only NBA guy without a contract, but I am not sure how much that matters as this may be an audition for a EuroLeague club if he is out of the NBA. Pangos is back with Barca and under contract (some rumor of a buyout and move to Valencia) so that seems settled and he should be available. Ejim and both Scrubbs I believe are without contracts but I'd guess they all would be available. Sounded like Wiltjer wants to play as well (saw a recent interview) but that is digging deep at the forward spot. We shouldn't forget about Andrew Nicholson either - he has been killing it in China (finally found a three ball - hitting ~45% on 2.5 made threes a game). I wouldn't be too upset to see him there over Ejim/Wiltjer/Boucher etc.

Lyles has showed no interest publicly - I'd be surprised if he shows (i'm almost sure he wont).
Wiggins is still quite the enigma - your guess is as good as mine (50/50 at best)

Brooks isn't playing summer league and I heavily question if he is going to be ready to play (injured foot). There has been no injury news on him since March - I cant find anything out there on him except that he clearly has the Thirst and was mentored by TT. Tyler Ennis still seems out as well - but I don't know for sure and hopefully it doesn't matter. There was some question about him playing the EL playoffs but he was quickly ruled out. Even if health Tyler Ennis and Brooks are probably way out of game shape.

I don't think any of the just drafted rookies play, including Barrett. He said he was "unsure" if he was going to play just a few days ago. That s not a good sign. But maybe a good thing for Canada considering his Summer League display.

If I had to guess a good but realistic case might be something like this:
Joseph
Murray
Gilgeous-Alexander
Kelly O
Thompson

Stauskas
Pangos
P. Scrubb
T. Scrubb
Powell
Birch
Ejim

I'd be happy with this.



Oh and Naz Long is not on the 18 man Greek camp roster if that matters and Dylan Ennis said he is free from Jamaica and available to Canada if they want him. Anybody else worth talking about? Anthony Bennett was supposedly hurt at the end of the GLeague season (shoulder) but I know nothing more about it. Justin Jackson (remember him?) tore his Achilles in Jan/Feb (poor kid).

Edit: and just like that Anthony Bennett signed a non guaranteed deal with the Rockets.

Thanks for the info.

I agree that Wiggins, Barrett, Brooks, Lyles, and T. Ennis are slim chances.

I would also be happy with the roster you posted.

The two on your list I worry about are Murray and SGA. I would be pleasantly surprised if we get both.
And if one is missing it hurts. Both missing would be really bad.

That's good news re Bennett.

[gundysmullet]

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Wow I cant believe how good this kid looks great passing and finishing with both hands looks like he can do everything out there

I recently read that Virginia tech runs one of the slowest offenses in college basketball. He literally picked one of the worst teams to showcase his talent. That’s why it is so important to do your research before you choose the school.

[gundysmullet]

Boucher has to make the team, the head coach is his NBA head coach. It would be pretty awkward if Nurse cut him.

[BilboBanginz]

Wigginton finishes Summer League strong with 26 Pts (8/12 FGs), 3 Asts, 3 Stls. Might have earned himself a invite to Raptors training camp.

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Oshae Brisset with 18 Pts (7/18 FGs), 7 Rbs

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[TheRealDeal]

Doesn't look like this kid is projected to be an NBA player but I really wish he was with a name like Kobe Elvis

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[Pooh_Jeter]

I believe it was during the Finals, but Rowan Barrett Sr. did an interview and was asked bout Wiggins and Team Canada and he seemed to indicate Wiggins was interested in competing at the World Cup, so I think it's more likely he plays than sits.

I'm sure we will see training camp spots and even spots on the actual roster given to some of the guys who have helped in the qualifiers, but increasingly it looks like it would be a mistake to ignore the current rookie crop of Canadians. It can be a tough sell for guys in their rookie year getting acclimated to life in the NBA, but the talent level is undeniable.

NAW, Kabengele and Clarke in particular have looked really good. Wonder how big the training camp roster is, because a lot of these younger guys could benefit from being in an environment like that.

[Double Helix]

Bennett shot over .440 from 3 in the G league on high volume last year. Hes basically pitching himself as a shooting specialist now who can rebound a bit and dunk.

[mojo13]

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Not ashamed to admit I am take great pleasure in this. The Aussies will be very different without him.

[mojo13]

I believe it was during the Finals, but Rowan Barrett Sr. did an interview and was asked bout Wiggins and Team Canada and he seemed to indicate Wiggins was interested in competing at the World Cup, so I think it's more likely he plays than sits.

I'm sure we will see training camp spots and even spots on the actual roster given to some of the guys who have helped in the qualifiers, but increasingly it looks like it would be a mistake to ignore the current rookie crop of Canadians. It can be a tough sell for guys in their rookie year getting acclimated to life in the NBA, but the talent level is undeniable.

NAW, Kabengele and Clarke in particular have looked really good. Wonder how big the training camp roster is, because a lot of these younger guys could benefit from being in an environment like that.

I love the potential of these guys but they have not played a lick of professional basketball yet. IMO today they are well below current mid career good Euro vets like Ejim, the Scrubbs, Pangos, Wiltjer in their ability to compete/contribute at a FIBA WC level.

But they don’t need much time Give them a year or two.


Edit: Brandon Clarke may make me eat my words (another fantastic game today). I’d easily rather see him or NAW with the SMNT instead of Barrett at this point in time. It’s quite clear that today Clarke is a superior player to Barrett.

[Pooh_Jeter]

I believe it was during the Finals, but Rowan Barrett Sr. did an interview and was asked bout Wiggins and Team Canada and he seemed to indicate Wiggins was interested in competing at the World Cup, so I think it's more likely he plays than sits.

I'm sure we will see training camp spots and even spots on the actual roster given to some of the guys who have helped in the qualifiers, but increasingly it looks like it would be a mistake to ignore the current rookie crop of Canadians. It can be a tough sell for guys in their rookie year getting acclimated to life in the NBA, but the talent level is undeniable.

NAW, Kabengele and Clarke in particular have looked really good. Wonder how big the training camp roster is, because a lot of these younger guys could benefit from being in an environment like that.

I love the potential of these guys but they have not played a lick of professional basketball yet. IMO today they are well below current mid career good Euro vets like Ejim, the Scrubbs, Pangos, Wiltjer in their ability to compete/contribute at a FIBA WC level.

But they don’t need much time Give them a year or two.


Edit: Brandon Clarke may make me eat my words (another fantastic game today). I’d easily rather see him or NAW with the SMNT instead of Barrett at this point in time. It’s quite clear that today Clarke is a superior player to Barrett.

For sure, I think Kabengele is still fairly raw despite his intriguing skill set. Tough for a young guard to make an immediate impact whether it be NAW or Barrett as you mentioned.

With Clarke I think given what his strengths are (energy, athleticism, and defensive IQ/ability) it would be tough for him not to be a positive contributor on essentially any team IMO. I think he could replicate a lot of what Ejim brings to the table and I'd certainly take a Clarke over a Thomas Scrubb or Wiltjer IMO.

[RaptorsLife]

NAW had a huge game today

34-5-5

[IceBelly05]

Melvin Ejim is an NBA player. That is all

[gundysmullet]

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Not ashamed to admit I am take great pleasure in this. The Aussies will be very different without him.

Yup, they will now be a much better shooting team.

[mojo13]

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Not ashamed to admit I am take great pleasure in this. The Aussies will be very different without him.

Yup, they will now be a much better shooting team.

Will they?

Simmons generates a hell of allot of open shots in the NBA. Now it is Dump Truck Delladova setting guys up.

[gundysmullet]

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Not ashamed to admit I am take great pleasure in this. The Aussies will be very different without him.

Yup, they will now be a much better shooting team.

Will they?

Simmons generates a hell of allot of open shots in the NBA. Now it is Dump Truck Delladova setting guys up.

Yes but the latter can actually make a jumpshot where as the former cannot hit the broadside of a barn.

[PoundTown]

As for the team I am sure CoJo, KO and TT are locks as they are being used all over the place in the marketing.

SGA, Murray, Stauskas, Birch, Powell, Boucher have all stated publicly they want to play. I really have no insight on Murray and SGA. But feel good about Birch and Powell.
Pangos, Ejim, both Scrubbs, Wiltjer have all stated publicly they want to play as well.
Stauskas is still the only NBA guy without a contract, but I am not sure how much that matters as this may be an audition for a EuroLeague club if he is out of the NBA. Pangos is back with Barca and under contract (some rumor of a buyout and move to Valencia) so that seems settled and he should be available. Ejim and both Scrubbs I believe are without contracts but I'd guess they all would be available. Sounded like Wiltjer wants to play as well (saw a recent interview) but that is digging deep at the forward spot. We shouldn't forget about Andrew Nicholson either - he has been killing it in China (finally found a three ball - hitting ~45% on 2.5 made threes a game). I wouldn't be too upset to see him there over Ejim/Wiltjer/Boucher etc.

Lyles has showed no interest publicly - I'd be surprised if he shows (i'm almost sure he wont).
Wiggins is still quite the enigma - your guess is as good as mine (50/50 at best)

Brooks isn't playing summer league and I heavily question if he is going to be ready to play (injured foot). There has been no injury news on him since March - I cant find anything out there on him except that he clearly has the Thirst and was mentored by TT. Tyler Ennis still seems out as well - but I don't know for sure and hopefully it doesn't matter. There was some question about him playing the EL playoffs but he was quickly ruled out. Even if health Tyler Ennis and Brooks are probably way out of game shape.

I don't think any of the just drafted rookies play, including Barrett. He said he was "unsure" if he was going to play just a few days ago. That s not a good sign. But maybe a good thing for Canada considering his Summer League display.

If I had to guess a good but realistic case might be something like this:
Joseph
Murray
Gilgeous-Alexander
Kelly O
Thompson

Stauskas
Pangos
P. Scrubb
T. Scrubb
Powell
Birch
Ejim

I'd be happy with this.



Oh and Naz Long is not on the 18 man Greek camp roster if that matters and Dylan Ennis said he is free from Jamaica and available to Canada if they want him. Anybody else worth talking about? Anthony Bennett was supposedly hurt at the end of the GLeague season (shoulder) but I know nothing more about it. Justin Jackson (remember him?) tore his Achilles in Jan/Feb (poor kid).

Edit: and just like that Anthony Bennett signed a non guaranteed deal with the Rockets.

Thanks for the info.

I agree that Wiggins, Barrett, Brooks, Lyles, and T. Ennis are slim chances.

I would also be happy with the roster you posted.

The two on your list I worry about are Murray and SGA. I would be pleasantly surprised if we get both.
And if one is missing it hurts. Both missing would be really bad.

That's good news re Bennett.

That roster would be fantastic. Nurse would have a lot to work with there. I really hope we get to see SGA suit up this year. I am pretty optimistic about him, and now his cousin who hopefully has the kind of rookie year I am expecting and see both of them suit up next year in the olympics.

[mojo13]

Well not long to wait to find out. Roster is expected to be release Monday, if not then Tuesday.

DraftExpress with a nice post u19 reviewed. Covered Mane and Lawson. Very high on Mane and adding him to their 2020 first round mock. Surprising considering what we discussed here.

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[BilboBanginz]

Well not long to wait to find out. Roster is expected to be release Monday, if not then Tuesday.

DraftExpress with a nice post u19 reviewed. Covered Mane and Lawson. Very high on Mane and adding him to their 2020 first round mock. Surprising considering what we discussed here.

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Here are the write ups from that ESPN+ piece:

Karim Mane | 6-6 | SG | Canada | Age: 19.1 Although he was wildly inconsistent over the course of the tournament, Mane had a breakout performance in Crete that solidified him as one of the top non-American prospects. Part of that is due to his elite physical profile: He stands about 6-foot-6 in shoes and has a near 7-foot wingspan, a chiseled frame and impressive athleticism -- all of which allowed him to live in the open court, beat opponents off the dribble, change speeds powerfully and play above the rim. Mane also showed impressive potential getting on the glass (7.1 rebounds per 40 minutes), jumping in passing lanes (1.8 steals per 40) and finding the open man (5.1 assists per 40). He demonstrated the type of versatility NBA teams actively covet from the backcourt position, potentially allowing him to slide anywhere from the 1 to 3 spots. Mane made 12 3s in seven games in Crete, including five in the opening game against Australia (several of which were deep and contested shots off the dribble), leaving plenty of room for optimism regarding how this part of his game will evolve over time. His shot selection and overall decision-making were questionable at times, as he has a propensity for lowering his shoulder and running into brick walls, not always doing a great job of surveying the defense and hoisting up plenty of difficult attempts. Mane's feel is a work in progress, as it appears he hasn't accumulated the same type of high-level experience going up against elite competition that others in this tournament had. Nevertheless, his elite physical profile, tenacious mentality on both ends of the floor and budding talent with the ball in his hands is tantalizing. It will be interesting to see what path Mane decides to take from here, as going the college route would make him 21 years old on draft night if he elected to be one-and-done after the 2020 NCAA season. Mane was actually already eligible for the 2019 draft as an international prospect, and he will again be eligible for the 2020 draft if he stays in Canada for another year, which he told ESPN he plans on doing. Mane was surprised to learn he is draft eligible and told ESPN he would be interested in exploring the option of going straight to the NBA. "If that's a possibility, that's one of my main goals," Mane told ESPN. "But at the same time, I want to get an education too; that's important for me and my family. I have to think about it, but that's definitely a possibility." Mane will be projected as a first-round pick in our next 2020 mock draft. -- Givony

A.J. Lawson | 6-6 | SG | Canada | Age: 18.9 The South Carolina guard made a strong case for first-round status in 2020, ranking eighth in scoring (16.7 points per game) while cashing in on a shade under 40% of his 3s on a healthy 7.6 attempts per game. Coming off a solid freshman season that earned him SEC all-rookie honors, Lawson continued to build his résumé as a wiry off guard who can finish above the rim emphatically in space, knock down rhythm 3s and defend point guards effectively, showing some similar strengths and weaknesses to those of Terrance Ferguson at the same stage, while possessing physical attributes more in line with those of Patrick McCaw. Lawson's thin frame, shaky free throw stroke, sometimes wild play and lack of physicality as a finisher/defender remain question marks among NBA scouts. He is a streaky shooter, getting caught between set and jump shots from distance and often relying on upward momentum to get to his release point. His lack of physical improvement is a bit alarming, as well. But with all that said, Lawson's height, length (6-foot-10 wingspan), athleticism and on-the-move shooting potential have a place in today's game. So long as Lawson continues becoming a more consistent shooter while rounding out the rest of his game, he certainly is a candidate to hear his name called in the back end of the first round. -- Schmitz

[WaltFrazier]

It drives me crazy that every single NBA Canadian is not eager to play. They don't seem to realize that playing a tough FIBA tourney can only HELP their careers, never hurt them. Far better training than any summer league or G league.

We hear so much about the Vince Carter effect, and how many Canucks in the NBA now, it is just so stupid that they do not all play every chance they get.

And now we have the highly respected NBA championship coach on top of everything else. Just play already

[BilboBanginz]

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