Will this Canadian team be the biggest threat to Team USA’s title-retention bid in Paris?
The Canadians are going all-in for Paris.
Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets champion guard Jamal Murray headlined Canada’s roster for Olympic Games Paris 2024, the team announced.
Eight of the 12 players selected in Gilgeous-Alexander, Dillon Brooks, Kelly Olynyk, Lu Dort, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, RJ Barrett, Dwight Powell and Melvin Ejim return to the lineup after being part of the bronze-winning team that beat Team USA in the FIBA World Cup last year.
[ALSO READ: Canada beats USA in overtime to win FIBA World Cup bronze]
Murray, alongside newcomers Khem Birch, Trey Lyles and Andrew Nembhard complete the roster.
[ALSO READ: Paris 2024: Dillon Brooks, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray headline Canada pool for Olympic]
Overall, Canada boasts 10 active NBA players in their Paris 2024 roster, a record for any nation other than the U.S.
Newly-hired Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez will be the man-in-charge for the Canadians in their first appearance in the Olympic Games since 2000.
With players having a sea of NBA experience, this Canadian team is probably the most-stacked squad the nation has ever assembled for the Olympics in hopes of winning their first medal in the event since 1936.
That group was first seen in action today in a 86-72 loss against defending champion Team USA squad.
[ALSO READ: Paris 2024: Anthony Edwards, new-look Team USA shrug off slow start to cruise past Canada in pre-Olympics duel]
Canada is in Group A alongside Greece, Australia and Spain and will open competition against Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Greeks.
Story Summary:
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Canada's star-studded roster, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray, targets Olympic glory in Paris 2024.
- The team includes 10 NBA players, aiming to build on their bronze-winning performance at the FIBA World Cup.
- Coached by Jordi Fernandez, Canada eyes its first Olympic medal since 1936 with a formidable lineup and NBA-laden experience.
[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital team. The summary was generated by AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]