The Canadian men’s basketball team can take the first step on the road to the 2024 Olympics later this month, but multiple sources tell Michael Grange of Sportsnet that Canada may skip the qualifying tournament because of COVID-19 concerns.
The FIBA AmeriCup is set for November 29 and 30, with Canada facing Cuba and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The nation only needs a top-three finish to advance to the next round, but the pandemic makes it unlikely that a team will be sent.
“It’s not happening,” one source said.
Canadian officials are hoping the event will be postponed, and a final decision is expected when FIBA holds its general meeting on Friday. If the tournament is played, Canada could opt to forfeit its two games and hope to stay alive with two wins in February. However, a single loss at that event would end any hopes of playing in the 2024 Olympics.
Although Canada hasn’t medaled in basketball since 1936, it can put together a team with plenty of NBA talent. Jamal Murray, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, RJ Barrett, Luguentz Dort, Tristan Thompson and Kelly Olynyk are among the players who could be part of the 2024 roster if Canada qualifies.
What about Andrew Wiggins?
They asked him if he wanted to be listed, but it didn’t look like he cared either way.
Oh that’s news to me