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Canada is preparing for the upcoming 2023 FIBA World Cup. They are bringing their best-ever national team with them.
They've dramatically closed the gap to Team USA and have a depth of NBA talent on their current squad.
Eight of their 12 roster spots are filled by current NBA players. That is tied for second-most with Australia at this year’s World Cup.
Canada will be favored to get out of their group and could be one of the teams to make a run in the knockout rounds. They are in Group H alongside France, Lebanon and Latvia. It will be a tough group as Latvia has Kristaps Porzingis and Davis Bertans. France has four NBA players on their roster and just made the gold medal match at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
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Let’s take a look at the Candian squad. Who are the five best NBA players on the roster?
Five Best Players on Team Canada
No. 5 - Dillon Brooks, Houston Rockets
Brooks took a lot of heat for his playoff performance and antics. However, the NBA “bad boy” is still a solid defender and NBA-caliber starter. He will be a defensive force for the gritty Canadian team.
No. 4 - Lu Dort, OKC Thunder
Dort is a similar defensive nightmare for opponents. He can lock down the best of them. He has also dramatically improved his shooting ability since entering the league.
No. 3 - RJ Barrett, New York Knicks
The Maple Mamba will be one of the main scoring options for Canada in this World Cup. He is a versatile wing who can pop off for a big scoring night when he gets it going.
No. 2 - Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
Murray proved himself to be among the elite of the NBA. He helped carry the Nuggets to their first-ever NBA title. He is excellent at operating the pick-and-roll and will handle the ball and play the two for Canada. He also is a better 3-point shooter than he gets credit for. Most importantly, he raises his game when the stakes are higher.
No. 1 - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder
Gilgeous-Alexander announced himself as an elite NBA talent last season when he averaged 31.4 ppg last season. That was good for the fourth-highest in the league. He can go toe-to-toe with anyone in this year’s World Cup. He may even be a better iso matchup offensive player than anyone on Team USA’s World Cup roster.
