Crafting Canada's roster for Olympic qualifier

Josh Lewenberg

TSN Raptors Reporter

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TORONTO - In the summer of 2000, the last time Canada's senior men qualified for the Olympics in basketball, Jay Triano fielded a team that included just two NBA players: 76ers centre Todd MacCulloch along with Mavericks point guard and budding superstar Steve Nash.

Now, with Nash at the helm and Triano back on the bench, the program is finally poised to take the next step, ushering in a promising new era of hoops north of the border.

Their long-time goal, as twisted as it may sound on the surface, has been to cut an NBA player for international competition - an objective that once seemed like wishful thinking. However, that day is fast approaching and could come to fruition in the coming weeks as Canada gears up for the FIBA Americas Championship.

Beginning on Aug. 31 and with a return to the Olympics on the line, Triano's club will travel to Mexico City for the two-week long, 10-team qualifying tournament that will ultimately award the top two finishers a trip to Rio next summer.

The training camp roster, loaded with more talent than ever before, is expected to be announced shortly before they reconvene in Toronto to workout from Aug. 13-20, leading up to final cuts and the unveiling of their 12-man squad around the 21st. That team will then get some fine tuning at the Tuto Marchand Tournament in Puerto Rico from Aug. 23-27 before heading to Mexico.

Triano's job won't be easy - a pleasant problem for the head coach and his program to contend with. 

Even without their big guns (albeit in a tournament void of other teams' big guns), Canada won silver at the Pan Am Games last month - the first time they've ever medaled at the Pan Ams. That group was comprised of veterans - some of them making their final appearance on the national team - and young up-and-comers making their debuts. 

It was a changing of the guard that allowed the program's youth to shine in expanded roles with increased responsibilities, giving us a glimpse at their promising future. Orlando Magic forward Andrew Nicholson continued to put up big numbers on the international stage while maligned Minnesota Timberwolves big man and former first-overall pick Anthony Bennett began to get his groove back and 18-year-old University of Kentucky freshman Jamal Murray had his coming out party.

A legitimate case could be made for 8-to-10 players from that team to stick around, given their strong performances in Toronto, with Canada also expected to add at least five more NBA players to the mix, which could include Andrew Wiggins, Cory Joseph, Kelly Olynyk and Nik Stauskas.

Assuming Canada earns an Olympics berth (if they fail to do so in Mexico next month, but finish 3rd through 5th, they'll have one final chance in July), no team outside the United States will have more first-round NBA picks - they've produced nine in the last five years, with more on the way. At full strength and with everybody available, Canada could conceivably put together a 12-man roster made up entirely of NBA talent, which doesn't even include Murray (an expected lottery pick next summer) and several players on the cusp of the league (Sim Bhullar, Melvin Ejim, Brady Heslip and so on).

With a young and inexperienced crop of talent learning to play together, they may not be at their best until the 2020 Olympics, when most of their core will be entering their prime. Still, that golden generation of Canada Basketball that we've been hearing about for the last couple years is just around the corner and next month's qualifying tournament should be our first opportunity to witness the fruits of their labour, our first chance to see the country's emerging talent sharing the court on an international stage.

Although injury (Tyler Ennis) and contract status (Tristan Thompson) could stand in the way of Canada sending its optimal lineup to Mexico, here's a look at what their ideal roster might look like if we were to assume full health and availability.

THE STARTERS

Andrew Wiggins, forward, Minnesota Timberwolves

The face of Canada Basketball for years to come. Wiggins has been hard at work preparing for his sophomore season this summer but he's back in Toronto and plans to compete for his country in Mexico next month. The Vaughan-native and reigning NBA Rookie of the Year seems committed to representing Canada and, at least for the time being, the Timberwolves are fully in support. Coming off an impressive freshman campaign with the Wolves, Wiggins stands to gain valuable experience as the focal point of Canada's attack, perhaps even more so than he was in Minnesota last year. Their depth should allow Triano to manage Wiggins' usage throughout the tournament but make no mistake, when the former first-overall pick is on the court, he'll be the linchpin of a fast-paced offence that will aim to utilize its young legs to tire the opposition. Wiggins alone will make Canada worth watching.

Status: Expected to be available and make the team

Tristan Thompson, forward, Cleveland Cavaliers (free agent)

Emerging as one of the NBA's top offensive rebounders and energy bigs during Cleveland's run to the finals, Thompson has had a busy year, which is part of the reason we aren't likely to see him in Mexico. The Toronto-born forward has indicated he would be taking some time off and with his contract status still up in the air, on top of possible insurance issues, Thompson isn't expected to be available for Canada this summer. However, Thompson has been a valuable member of the national team in the past and remains part of their plans moving forward. Assuming he sits this one out, he will be missed. With his experience, power game and ability to play out of position at the five, Thompson gives the Canadian team something you won't find anywhere else on their roster.

Status: Likely unavailable (contract status/rest)
Likely Replacement: Dwight Powell

Cory Joseph, guard, Toronto Raptors

Joseph, like his good friend Thompson, began this off-season as a restricted free agent but the quick resolution to his contract situation paired with the fact that he'll be playing for the Raptors, Canada's team, should ensure his availability for this tournament. Despite the emergence of Murray, it's safe to pencil Joseph in as Canada's starting point guard for the foreseeable future. The former San Antonio Spur is the savvy, hard-nosed player that Triano wants to lead his young club. The head coach will continue to lean on Joseph to run the team and provide that sense of stability in Mexico. Even at 23-years-old, he's one of the program's most experienced and accomplished players at the international level. 

Status: Expected to be available and make the team

Nik Stauskas, guard, Philadelphia 76ers

Stauskas is coming off a disappointing debut season in the NBA, which ended with a trade from the dysfunctional Sacramento Kings to the lowly Philadelphia 76ers. The pride of Mississauga shot a ho-hum 32 per cent from three-point range after hitting 41 per cent of his triples in two seasons at the University of Michigan. Stauskas has a lot to prove and the 76ers will give him the opportunity and the platform to do so. The same can be said for Triano and company, who will be happy to have Stauskas and his elite shooting ability on board should he decide to participate in the tournament - a likely scenario, although he hasn't been around the program much over the years. He's the ideal compliment to Wiggins on the wing, spacing the floor and giving the slasher room to operate and attack.

Status: Expected to be available and make the team

Kelly Olynyk, centre, Boston Celtics

With Thompson likely sitting this one out, Olynyk becomes even more valuable to a Canadian squad that may not have a lot of size. The Celtics' seven-footer made noticeable strides in his second NBA season. Although he's not much of a rim protector, his crafty play around the bucket, ability to rebound and knock down the mid-range shot fits in nicely with the international game. He's no stranger to FIBA, having been involved with the Canadian National Team before. He should be around again this summer.

Status: Expected to be available and make the team

THE BENCH

Andrew Nicholson, forward, Orlando Magic

Like Olynyk, Nicholson's game may actually be better suited to FIBA style of play. As an NBA player, the Magic forward has been underwhelming. On the international stage, he has starred for Canada, most recently at the Pan Am games where he averaged a team-leading 18.2 points, including 31 in a semifinals victory over the U.S. For a big man, Nicholson isn't great defensively or on the boards but he is a gifted scorer both inside and out. This tournament will be a big test for the 25-year-old, not just in managing his emotions - something that he's struggled with in the past - but also settling into a complimentary role offensively. For the first time in his national team career, Nicholson will have to defer while playing alongside other talented (and in some cases, more talented) scorers.

Status: Expected to be available and make the team

Anthony Bennett, forward, Minnesota Timberwolves

Never has an NBA team been more eager to lend one of their players over for international competition. After a pair of forgettable seasons with the Cavaliers and Timberwolves, Bennett is looking for reclamation, something that might be tough to do in Minnesota where he'll be playing behind Karl-Anthony Towns, this summer's first-overall pick. The Canadian team has given Bennett the platform to prove he belongs. Averaging 15.6 points and 9.4 rebounds in a featured role for the club that won Pan Am silver last month, the former top pick looked like a different player. Finally healthy and in shape, the athletic forward could excel playing in an up-tempo offence with teammate Andrew Wiggins and company. It will take a lot more than a productive summer to get his NBA career back on track but, if nothing else, a confidence boost couldn't hurt going into next season.

Status: Expected to be available and make the team

Tyler Ennis, guard, Milwaukee Bucks

Still recovering from off-season shoulder surgery, Ennis played the part of cheerleader at the Pan Am Games last month and will be forced to do the same in Mexico. He, Joseph and Murray will form a three-headed monster at the point guard position for years to come.

Status: Out (shoulder surgery)
Likely Replacement: Junior Cadougan, Carl English or Daniel Mullings

Jamal Murray, guard, Kentucky Wildcats (freshman)

We knew Murray would be good, the question was (and still is) how good and how quickly? The 18-year-old sensation hardly looked out of place as one of the youngest players at the Pan Ams, where he averaged 16.0 points as Canada's second leading scorer. Triano entrusted him and he delivered, all but ensuring his spot on the Olympic qualifying team, assuming his schedule permits it. Murray is supposed to begin his first semester at Kentucky on Aug. 26, five days before the FIBA Americas Championship tips off in Mexico. Although John Calipari has gone on record saying he'd like to see Murray play for his country again this summer, the famed Kentucky coach reportedly provided Canada Basketball officials with a "drop dead" date in which the freshman would have to arrive on campus to be eligible for a full season of NCAA ball. The hope is that the parties involved - Murray, Canada Basketball, Kentucky and the NCAA - can work something out in time. If so, Murray would see time as the back-up point guard behind Joseph.

Status: Uncertain, dependent on availability (Kentucky)

Trey Lyles, forward, Utah Jazz

Although Lyles grew up in Indianapolis, the Saskatoon-born forward has represented Canada on the international stage at the under-19 world championships in 2013 and the under-18 world championships in 2012, helping lead his team to a bronze medal finish. Drafted 12th overall by the Utah Jazz this summer after spending one year at Kentucky, Lyles is not expected to be available for next month's tournament as he prepares for his rookie season.

Status: Likely unavailable (preparing for rookie season)
Likely Replacement: Joel Anthony, Robert Sacre or Sim Bhullar

Melvin Ejim, forward, Medi Bayreuth (Germany)

The reason why Ejim is on this list and is a reasonable bet to make the team over a few players with NBA experience lies in his versatility and compete level. The former Iowa State forward, who has been invited to the Orlando Magic's training camp this fall, is the type of do-it-all, "glue" player that any coach would love to have on his team. One of the country's top perimeter defenders, Ejim was consistently, albeit quietly productive at the Pan Ams. Despite the explosion of young Canadian talent, particularly at the power forward and point guard positions, the national team does not have a ton of depth behind Wiggins and Stauskas on the wing. Ejim could get the nod as a result.

Status: Expected to be available, on the bubble to make team

Brady Heslip, guard, Pallacanestro Cantu (Italy)

Like Ejim, Heslip could fill a role behind Wiggins and Stauskas on the wing but if and when he makes the team it shouldn't be considered nepotism. The nephew of coach Triano, Heslip is one of the country's premier shooters - a skill that was on display throughout Canada's run to a silver medal finish at the Pan Ams. The Burlington-native doesn't need much time or space to get his shot off and can get hot in a hurry. Even with Stauskas - another sharpshooter - on the team, it would be tough to leave Heslip off the roster, given his experience with the program and unique ability to come off the bench and score in bunches.

Status: Expected to be available, on the bubble to make team

ON THE BUBBLE

Dwight Powell, forward, Dallas Mavericks

Powell was unavailable to represent Canada at the Pan Am Games as he was competing in the NBA Summer League, where he averaged 18.8 points and ranked eighth in both scoring and rebounding. After a hectic rookie season, one in which he was traded three times before getting settled with the Mavs, the Toronto-born forward should be joining his countryman for their training camp in a couple weeks. Assuming Thompson can't play, Powell is a good bet to take his spot on the roster and come off the bench in Mexico.

Status: Expected to be available, likely Thompson replacement

Joel Anthony, centre, Detroit Pistons

It's unknown whether Anthony will be with the Canadian team in camp but given his experience with the program and his ability to defend the rim - something this club won't have a lot of - the 32-year-old vet and Montreal-native could be a valuable addition to the back end of the roster.

Status: Unknown, on the bubble to make team

Robert Sacre, centre, Los Angeles Lakers

Another big with NBA experience, Sacre doesn't defend the rim quite like Anthony but brings plenty of energy and toughness at the centre position. Assuming he attends camp, he'll have a good shot at earning the spot left vacant by the absent Lyles, likely competing with fellow bigs Anthony and Sim Bhullar.

Status: Unknown, on the bubble to make team

Sim Bhullar, centre, Sacramento Kings (free agent)

At 7-foot-5, 360 pounds, Bhullar is the ultimate match-up player. He won't give you big minutes and doesn't have the foot speed to keep up if and when the opposition opts to play small, but his size and strength around the basket - on both ends of the floor - can wreak havoc in situational duty. He's not a bad guy to have around when you're looking to mix things up. 

Status: Expected to be available, on the bubble to make team

Junior Cadougan, guard, Sidigas Avelino (Italy)

A veteran of the program, Cadougan started at the point for Canada throughout the Pan Ams. Though he struggled early in the tournament, often getting a quick hook for Murray, the former Marquette Golden Eagle finished strong. Listed at a generous 6-foot-2, his speed, quickness and athleticism won't blow you away but he's a gritty player, tough as nails and can defend the position. Most importantly, Triano trusts him to run the team. While he's likely to be the odd man out in the future, as the Joseph/Ennis/Murray trio continues to develop, Ennis' injury should ensure his spot on the roster for Mexico.

Status: Expected to be available, likely Ennis injury replacement

Carl English, guard, AEK Athens (Greece)

Triano indicated that the Pan Ams may have been the national team swan song for a few of Canada's older players. One would think he was referring to the 34-year-old English. A part of Canada Basketball since 2000, having first played for the senior men's team at the FIBA Americas Championship in 2005, English is the program's longest serving member. Triano values his leadership both on and off the floor, and rightfully so. English is a fighter, playing all over the world and often battling injuries in order to represent his country. This golden age of young Canadian talent will eventually bump English from the roster (and into coaching, perhaps?) but Ennis' injury could open the door for one final run with the team.

Status: Expected to be available, possible Ennis or Murray replacement

Daniel Mullings, guard, Medi Bayreuth (Germany)

Bringing toughness and energy, primarily on the defensive end, Mullings was a standout for Canada coming off the bench at the Pan Ams. Although he's somewhat of a long shot to snag Ennis' spot over the more experienced Cadougan and English, he becomes a player to watch if Murray is unable to get clearance from Kentucky.

Status: Expected to be available, possible Ennis or Murray replacement

Aaron Doornekamp, forward, Skyliners Frankfurt

Like Ejim, Mullins or even Cadougan, Doornekamp is one of Canada's glue guys - working hard and doing the little things that often go unnoticed. Without question, Triano would love to have them all around but how many can he fit on the roster now that the level of internal competition has never been higher? Doornekamp's versatility and experience with the program is working in his favour. He could be a dark horse to snag one of the final spots for Mexico.

Status: Expected to be available, on the bubble to make team

BEST OF THE REST

Khem Birch, forward, Usak Sportif (Turkey)

Oliver Hanlan, guard, Utah Jazz

Dillon Brooks, guard/forward, Oregon Ducks (sophomore)

Kyle Wiltjer, forward, Gonzaga Bulldogs

Kevin Pangos, guard, Gran Canaria

Andy Rautins, guard, Pallacanestro Varese (Italy)