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We’ve said before that we see Canada as a major rising power in world basketball and why not?
With players like former Duke star RJ Barrett, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Andrew Wiggins, and lots more players emerging annually, of course Canada should be a pain in the ass for everyone, including the US.
We didn't realize that Gilgeous-Alexander and Murray were out with injuries and that had to hurt.
But there’s no denying the talent and it’s maturing. In 2024, as this article points out, the core of this program will be near their peak:
“Three years from now, the wave of Canadian talent currently washing over the NBA will be closer to its prime. Murray will be 27. Gilgeous-Alexander, Alexander-Walker and Dort will be 25. Barrett will be only 24. Dillon Brooks and Brandon Clarke...will be 28 and 27, respectively. Even Wiggins will still be on the right side of 30...Canada should be a safe bet to qualify for Paris.”
We thought they’d be there this time but by 2024, they should be close to parity with everyone else in the world and a US-Canadian match-up would be a huge game emotionally for our Northern neighbors. We wouldn’t count on an easy victory if that game happens.