Canada’s men’s basketball team looks to have gained a very valuable addition as they look to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics this summer.
Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins appeared to commit his services to the Great White North in an Instagram post on Monday.
It appears Andrew Wiggins has committed to play for Team Canada this summer pic.twitter.com/rreZ4NPSzJ
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 25, 2021
The 26-year-old’s announcement comes on the heels of the Warriors being eliminated from playoff contention in the NBA’s new play-in tournament by the Memphis Grizzlies.
Wiggins seemed to revitalize his career with the Warriors this season, averaging career-highs in both three-point (38.0) and two-point (47.7) field goal percentage. The former first-overall pick was also the team’s second-leading scorer, averaging 18.6 points per game.
Canada has still not qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and will look to do so from June 29 to July 4 in the final Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Victoria, B.C.
Wiggins’ availability for his country was a big question mark heading into the summer, as he has not suited up for Canada since the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship.
But the Toronto, Ont., native seems to have put the past behind him, and will join head coach Nick Nurse and a young Canadian squad in their quest for an Olympic berth.
The addition of Wiggins means the Canadians could potentially be loaded with NBA talent, as R.J. Barrett, Khem Birch, Dillon Brooks and Luguentz Dort have all expressed interest in playing for the team this summer.
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