Canada Could Send A Powerful Team To The 2024 Olympics

Canada’s starting lineup will be built around the star power of their backcourt, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray. The rest of the roster will be completed with defensive stalwarts who hustle for loose balls and play winning basketball.

PG: Jamal Murray

SG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

SF: Luguentz Dort

PF: Dillon Brooks

C: Dwight Powell

Canada's potential starting lineup for the 2024 Olympics is brimming with talent and versatility. At point guard, Jamal Murray brings his elite scoring and playmaking abilities, honed as a key player for the Denver Nuggets. His experience in high-pressure NBA playoff situations will be invaluable for Team Canada because he averaged 26.1 points per game in the postseason last year and hit two game-winners in the playoffs this year.

Joining him in the backcourt is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, an All-NBA First Team selection who excels at both ends of the floor. Gilgeous-Alexander's ability to drive to the basket and create opportunities for his teammates makes him a dynamic offensive threat. In the World Cup, the 25-year-old point guard carried Team Canada on his shoulders throughout the knockout round, leading them to come-from-behind victories against France, Latvia, Spain, and Slovenia. He outscored each of those teams by himself in at least one quarter.

On the wing, Luguentz Dort provides lockdown defense and a growing offensive game. Known for his tenacity and physicality, Dort can guard multiple positions and contribute crucial points when needed. At power forward, Dillon Brooks adds a mix of toughness and scoring ability. Brooks, known for his defensive prowess and confidence, will be tasked with shutting down opposing forwards while also providing a reliable scoring option. Brooks had a breakout campaign in the FIBA World Cup, having a 39-point masterpiece against Team USA in the bronze medal game before being named Best Defensive Player of the tournament.

Anchoring the team at center, Dwight Powell offers a strong presence in the paint. Powell's ability to finish around the rim, coupled with his defensive capabilities and experience as a key rotation player for the Dallas Mavericks, makes him a solid choice for the starting center position. Together, this starting lineup combines scoring, defense, and experience, giving Canada a formidable team capable of competing with the best in the world at the 2024 Olympics.

Bench

The bench is built with tremendous depth that only Team USA can compete with. With plenty of scoring, defense, and leadership, Canada will have no problem rotating their squad in games and will keep their star players fresh throughout the tournament. 

PG: Andrew Nembhard

SG: RJ Barrett, Shaedon Sharpe

SF: Andrew Wiggins, Nickeil Alexander Walker

PF: Brandon Clarke

C: Tristan Thompson

Canada's bench for the 2024 Olympics adds significant depth and versatility to the team. At point guard, Andrew Nembhard offers solid playmaking skills and a high basketball IQ, making him an excellent backup to Jamal Murray. Nembhard's ability to control the tempo and facilitate the offense will be crucial in maintaining consistency when the starters need rest because he posted 14.9 points per game in the playoffs this year.

The shooting guard position is bolstered by the presence of RJ Barrett and Shaedon Sharpe. Barrett, a key player for the Toronto Raptors, brings scoring prowess and strong rebounding for his position, while Sharpe, a rising star, adds athleticism and explosive scoring ability. This combination provides Canada with multiple options to adapt to different in-game scenarios. Barrett posted 20.2 points per game this season and will be the go-to sixth man off the bench as Canada hopes Sharpe can return in time.

On the wing, Andrew Wiggins and Nickeil Alexander-Walker offer a mix of experience and versatility. Wiggins, an NBA champion and All-Star, brings elite defensive skills and scoring capability, making him a valuable asset off the bench. Alexander-Walker adds depth with his ability to play both guard positions and contribute on both ends of the floor.

Brandon Clarke, at power forward, offers energy and efficiency. Known for his rebounding, shot-blocking, and finishing ability, Clarke's presence ensures that the team maintains a high level of intensity and physicality. At center, Tristan Thompson brings veteran leadership and a strong defensive presence. Thompson's experience in the NBA Finals and his rebounding prowess provide stability and reliability in the frontcourt.

Together, this bench unit complements the starting lineup with a blend of youth, experience, and diverse skill sets, positioning Canada as a deep and balanced team ready to make a significant impact at the 2024 Olympics.

Players Who Don’t Make The Cut

Zach Edey, Kelly Olynyk

While Canada's roster for the 2024 Olympics is stacked with talent, some notable players unfortunately don't make the cut. Zach Edey, the towering 7'4" center from Purdue, has shown tremendous potential and has been a dominant force in college basketball. However, his relative inexperience and the team's need for more versatile and seasoned players at the international level could influence the decision to leave him off the roster.

Similarly, Kelly Olynyk, a veteran forward with extensive NBA and international experience, doesn't make the final team. Olynyk's ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and his savvy play would have been valuable assets, but the coaching staff likely prioritized younger, more athletic options like Brandon Clarke and Dwight Powell to match up better against the fast-paced, physical play expected in the Olympics.

Canada Is A Powerhouse In The 2024 Olympics

With a roster brimming with NBA talent and a balanced mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, Canada emerges as a formidable powerhouse in the 2024 Olympics. The starting lineup of Jamal Murray, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Dillon Brooks, and Dwight Powell, complemented by a deep bench, positions Canada to compete at the highest level. This team has the potential to go toe-to-toe with basketball giants like the USA, Serbia, Spain, and France.

With their combination of scoring ability, defensive tenacity, and international experience, Canada is poised to make a significant impact and could be a legitimate contender for the gold medal in Paris. Team USA is still the favorite in the Olympics but do not be surprised if Canada ends up in the gold medal game or at least competing for a medal as they did in the FIBA World Cup.