The Canadian Men's National Basketball Team will be without Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins on their quest to qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
In a statement released through his agency, BDA Sports Management, on Friday, Wiggins noted that his role with the Timberwolves and the importance of the upcoming NBA season has priority over participation with Team Canada in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (July 5-10). The team is looking to make its first appearance at the Games since 2000 and will certainly miss the young and talented Wiggins.
"After much thought, consideration and speaking with my family, I will not be participating in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament with the Canadian Men's National Team in July," Wiggins said in the statement. "As my third NBA season approaches, I understand my increased role with the Timberwolves and dedication to the upcoming season must have my total focus. We are building a championship contending team, which has always been my goal. This was definitely not an easy decision and I fully support and wish Team Canada nothing but success this summer."
Alongside 2015-16 Rookie of the Year Karl-Anthony Towns, Wiggins — the 2014-15 Rookie of the Year — is a franchise cornerstone for Minnesota. The team is currently in a 12-year playoff drought, but with recently-hired coach Tom Thibodeau at the helm, will look to put an end to that streak next season, and if Wiggins were to shift his focus to Team Canada this summer, the young and hungry T'Wolves would have much less time to develop as a unit.
As for Team Canada, a preliminary roster for tryouts and training camp released on Friday omitted Wiggins, along with Canadian NBA players Tristan Thompson (playing in NBA Finals), Kelly Olynyk (shoulder surgery), Trey Lyles, Nik Stauskas, and Anthony Bennett, leaving Joel Anthony, Tyler Ennis and Cory Joseph as the roster's lone NBA players.
But two-time NBA MVP and Team Canada general manager Steve Nash says that the team could see some new faces sooner rather than later.
"Given the time of year, player availability is always changing," Nash said. "We're continuing to talk to teams and players may become available as the summer progresses. Playing for your country is an honor, we have a deep pool of talent who are committed to playing for Canada and we're ready to get to work."
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