Gilgeous-Alexander, Murray to lead NBA-experienced Canadian Olympic team in Paris | CBC Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray headline a Canadian men’s basketball team heavy with NBA experience that will compete at this summer’s Paris Olympics.

Canada Basketball and the Canadian Olympic Committee announced the roster Wednesday, with 11 of the 12 players named boasting playing time in the world’s premier basketball league.

Hamilton’s Gilgeous-Alexander starred as Canada qualified for the Olympics at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, ending the tournament with a win over the United States in the bronze-medal game.

Team captain Kelly Olynyk and RJ Barret will represent the Toronto Raptors on Canada’s roster, which also includes World Cup standout Dillon Brooks of the Houston Rockets and defensive stalwart Luguentz Dort of the Thunder.

Canada’s men’s basketball team will be making its first Olympic appearance since finishing seventh at the 2000 Sydney Games.

Basketball will take place July 27 to Aug. 11.

WATCH | How far can Gilgeous-Alexander lead Canada at Olympics?:

Canada roster

• Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Toronto
• RJ Barrett, Mississauga, Ont.
• Khem Birch, Montreal
• Dillon Brooks, Mississauga, Ont.
• Luguentz Dort, Montreal
• Melvin Ejim, Toronto, Ont.
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Hamilton
• Trey Lyles, Saskatoon
• Jamal Murray, Kitchener, Ont.
• Andrew Nembhard, Aurora, Ont.
• Kelly Olynyk, Kamloops, B.C.
• Dwight Powell, Toronto, Ont.