Team USA’s 2023 FIBA World Cup campaign ended in dismay. After Germany shattered its golden hopes in a 113-111 victory, Canada stunned Team USA to win its first-ever medal. Team Canada prevailed in a thrilling 127-118 overtime game to claim their podium finish. However, both North American teams have qualified for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The USA will be looking for revenge during their rematch next summer.
In light of this setback, LeBron James has reportedly started recruiting to form a Redeem Team 2.0 with the likes of Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant to regain the USA’s lost glory. However, Steph Curry?s All-Star Teammate might pose a threat to Team USA’s pursuit of gold in the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Can Andrew Wiggins represent Canada?
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Canada attained a massive feat in the World Cup this summer, and they would hope to maintain that momentum going into the Olympics next summer. However, Canada put itself in a demanding position by expecting the athletes to commit for three years. This led to several All-Star caliber players, including Jamal Murray and Andrew Wiggins opting out. However, after choosing not to commit to Team Canada at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, the Golden State Warriors forward recently expressed his wish to lead Canada to its first Olympic gold.
During an interview with Sportskeeda, Andrew Wiggins divulged his desire to represent Canada in the Olympics next summer. The 28YO said, “This year was tough because I ended the season with a broken rib. But the goal next year is to be with them in Paris”. When asked whether he would play for Canada in the 2024 Olympics, Wiggins promptly answered,??Yeah, I would love to?. According to Wiggins, the team feels the same way, and for good reason. He represented Canada internationally in both 2015 and 2021 and is arguably one of the best two-way players in the league.
Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins to @Sportskeeda: “I would love to be an All-Star. I would love to be on the All-Defensive team.” Wiggins details last season’s injury, interest in playing for Canada in 2024 Olympics, Chris Paul & team’s title chances https://t.co/TqGGkNRL9H
? Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) October 15, 2023
Then came the burning question of whether Canada will contend for the gold this time. To which he replied, ?I think our chances are good. We have a great team?. If he does commit to Canada for the Olympics next summer, he will reportedly face the star-studded Team USA, including LeBron James and Kevin Durant.
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LeBron James is reportedly recruiting for Redeem Team 2.0
Team USA fielded a fairly young core of players in the 2023 World Cup with little to no experience playing for the national team. Recently, James sparked suspicions of having his “last dance” with Team USA in the Olympics. He has reportedly called upon Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Jayson Tatum, and Draymond Green in a bid to recruit them. Kevin Durant has also confirmed his participation in the Olympics as per ESPN’s Malika Andrews. Joining the star-studded roster will be Joel Embiid, who recently committed to play for Team USA next summer.
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Will this redeem team redux help the USA get one over Canada in their next matchup? Or will Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dillon Brooks prevail once again?
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