Team Canada, now in a new era after the famous Steve Nash-led side finished 7th at the 2000 Olympics, can aim for higher than what they achieved then. Over time, they have emerged as a strong threat, especially when they broke US hearts after snatching bronze in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. An important component of Team Canada is undeniably Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

“We’re a part of history,” he rightfully claimed after his country produced a shocking 88-85 win over Spain. The OKC Thunder superstar, coming off a career-best season – averaging 30.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.5 rebounds in 75 games – will act as the X-factor. The star not only dropped back-to-back 30+ point hauls but also took his young team to the Conference Semifinals after 8 years. Moreover, he finished runner-up in the MVP race against the Denver Nuggets star, Nikola Jokić.

Speaking of the Joker, the Serbian big man’s Robin, Jamal Murray, also has a crucial spot in the roster after missing out during the World Cup. He’s had an impressive postseason, averaging 20.6 points per game. Notably, Bubble Murray left the LA Lakers in heartbreak after crushing them with buzzer-beater wins in the first-round series. Importantly, the 27-year-old can significantly impact the game, especially during the clutch.

While an MVP-cadre player and a clutch star have made it to the roster with a responsibility to lead the way, the management needs to find the supporting cast around them. And, well, they seemed to have found their perfect mix after a few additions and subtractions.

Team Canada’s 16-player roster for the Paris Olympics

The team is currently practicing at the national camp before they travel. This was initially a much larger roster, but the management has been reshaping it by cutting down a few players. They released Oshae Brissett, Kyle Alexander, and Leonard Miller a week after Andrew Wiggins withdrew from the roster.

Oshae Brissett and Andrew Wiggins were notably also part of the training camp initially. Andrew’s exit was a “mutual decision,” as per Anthony Slater. The general manager cited a late-season ankle injury and pulled him out. A week later, Brissett, fresh from the Celtics’ championship run, pulled out to focus on free agency. 2024’s draft sensation, Zach Edey, followed suit despite competing in the WC. So, here’s the final list: –

Among these big star names, there seems to be a problem with the frontcourt. With Shai and Murray already taking over the backcourt, other undersized guards have to move up to take control in front. It even created defensive problems for them at the 2023 World Cup despite winning the bronze. So, as they try to find a way around this and build chemistry, what’s their upcoming month looking like?

Schedule: The countdown to the Paris Olympics begins

Jordi Fernandez & Co. are less than a week away from concluding their training camp and flying to Paris. However, before that, they have a small pit stop in Vegas. They will take on Team USA in an exhibition game at T-Mobile Arena on July 10. While this match doesn’t affect the Olympics, the US can still take revenge for their World Cup upset and enter the tournament with more confidence. On the other hand, Team Canada will look to get another win over their geographical neighbors.

Team Canada’s Olympic schedule

If the team qualifies for the knockout stages, the dates of the games are as follows: –

Team Canada – Starting Lineup and Depth Chart

It’s a no-brainer to stack the starting five with their biggest NBA stars. But, too many stars take up the guard role. However, here’s a rendition of the possible starting five and the depth chart of the side.

There aren’t any second thoughts about the starting five, but the bench also has some promising talent. Notably, the Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker has already grabbed everyone’s attention with his defense skills. The visuals of him guarding Jamal Murray full-court during the 2024 Conference Semifinals made him lapse the shot clock. And, with the available talent, the team can create magic in the City of Love. Will Team Canada upset the over-powered Team USA? Let us know in the comments below.

Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, to open up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.