As Canada awaits its opponent for the knockout stage of the 2024 Olympics, the possibility of a tournament matchup against the United States increased after a sweep in group play.
Canada entered the 2024 Olympics as one of the best squads. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s ascension into one of the best players in the league has headlined its program.
With that said though, the USA is the heavy favorite to win gold. It has the deepest roster and is headlined by several multi-time All-Star players. It’s been the most dominant squad in group play.
The 26-year-old talked about the USA and the challenges it brings. Depending on how the bracket shakes out, there’s a good chance Canada faces off against it for the third time in the last calendar year.
During halftime between the USA and Puerto Rico, Gilgeous-Alexander discussed the possible rematch with NBC’s Mike Tirico.
“They play to their strengths. They’re obviously very talented, very deep,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “You almost have to make no mistakes and play a perfect game when you play against them… As far as Canada, we’ll be ready for whoever we see.”
Canada hopes to win the international tournament as an underdog. It will likely need to slay the USA for that to happen. Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t afraid of that challenge.
“We come here to play against the best talent and best team in the world and they’re at the top of it,” Gilgeous-Alexander said on the possibility. “So of course it’d be fun.”
Minus the USA, Canada has the largest assortment of NBA players on its roster. All five starters and its top bench players are in the league. It’d be a fun rematch from last year’s FIBA World Cup.
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