The next big event that sports enthusiasts all over the world are looking forward to is the Paris Olympics. With all the tension and stress going around the NBA’s offseason now, it’s a welcome respite for basketball fans, too. It was on such an occasion that Team Canada announced its 20-man ‘training camp roster’. And fans are going crazy with excitement. The list has 12 players associated with the NBA. They are spearheaded by none other than the OKC Thunder phenom Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

If you remember, he was an MVP finalist and the top-scorer for the bronze medal Canada won in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Notable names include Dillon Brooks, Jamal Murray, RJ Barrett, Lu Dort, Andrew Nembhard, Kelly Olynyk, one of the top 2024 prospects- Zach Edey of Purdue, and a lot more. Keen eyes would note that Canada has prioritized bringing back the pieces of the World Cup group. Needless to say, analysts, basketball pundits, and fans are thoroughly impressed by the squad Team Canada has assembled.

The CEO/Founder of The Ringer, Bill Simmons, was one of them sharing the X post, quoting, “Damn this roster is really good.”

It sure is! This is the first since 2000 that Canada will be competing in the Olympics. SGA was just two when a Steve Nash-led Canadian team finished seventh in the Sydney Olympics. And now, he is at the forefront of a team, striving for that gold. However, they are keeping their expectations realistic, as was clear from Jordi Fernandez’s words. “While winning bronze at the World Cup last summer was an important first step for our team, it also showed that we still have work to do as a group,” the HC of Canada’s Men’s National Team said.

But he was quick to follow it up with a promise. “We have a constant drive to improve and will work tirelessly throughout training camp and our exhibition schedule to fully prepare to achieve our ultimate goal at the Paris Olympics.” No doubt this is only going to add more excitement to the already thrilled crowd!

“Deepest non-US international squad”: Fans and analysts on X can’t get enough of Team Canada!

Simmons wasn’t the only one who reflected the shock at seeing an impressive training camp roster. Senior NBA Writer of The Athletic John Hollinger has some high praise for the lot. “11 NBA rotation players plus Edey is a hell of a team to send to Paris. Might be deepest non-US international squad I’ve ever seen.”

Undoubtedly! As mentioned above, these men were responsible for putting Canada on the map, in a manner of speaking. So, it’s natural that they bring in the same squad for the Paris Olympics, as well. Of course, this will be cut short to a 12-man group. However, there is no denying that each one in the current list would do exceptionally well on the biggest international stage.

Therefore, it’s no wonder that this next fan asks a pertinent question. “what’s stopping us from going all the way?” 

Nothing, really. Other than better teams and a teensy bit of luck, perhaps. Team Canada will be going against some of the top teams from around the world, the ones who have battled to reach the final stage. Hence, we can rightly expect some solid opponents. With a little tightening up defensively, Canada does not seem to have major problems.

In fact, they have Team USA to look out for, among other foes. The reason we put emphasis on Canada’s southern neighbors was simply because the US has a score to settle. The last time the two countries met, Canada had beaten them for that bronze medal last September. Well, it will be quite interesting to see the two face off again.

Moving on, this next individual couldn’t hold in their tears of joy. “omg team canada is so back,” followed by a few crying emojis. “shai, rj, jamal murray, brooks, edey, wiggins, nembhard, lu dort and kelly olynyk.” Clearly, this fan is too pumped to say anything else. But they don’t have to. We can understand where those emotions stem from!

And finally, this next guy asks a question that has been on the minds and comments of many fans. “Where is shaedon sharpe?”

Sharpe, along with Bennedict Mathurin, have both been invited to the training camp. However, the pair won’t be looking to gain roster spots this summer because of injury recovery. The Portland Trail Blazers star had sustained an abdominal injury that he had been dealing with for some time. With no progress seen in his condition, Sharpe underwent corrective surgery to address a core muscle injury in early February. The Blazers are hopeful he will be back in shape for the 2024-25 season.

As for Mathurin, the Pacers’ second-year wing also had to undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder. Indiana had ruled him out for the season. Both of them will be present in the camp, as mentioned, but only to gain valuable insight from the experience.

Well, what do you think? Will this Team Canada turn out to be the X factor in the 2024 Paris Olympics? Also, who are your picks for the 12-man group that will eventually take the floor? Let us know in the comments below. Meanwhile, stay tuned for more such updates.

 But before you go, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese.

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