Following the Denver Nuggets’ elimination from the NBA playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jamal Murray confirmed to Vinny Benedetto of the Denver Gazette his commitment to representing Canada at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.
Hailing from Kitchener, Ontario, Murray has previously showcased his talent for Canada, contributing to both the junior and senior men’s national teams. Notably, he played a pivotal role in Canada’s silver medal achievement at the 2015 Pan American Games, where he averaged 16 points per game at just 18 years old.
Murray’s absence from the 2023 FIBA World Cup bronze-winning squad was due to his recovery efforts following a strenuous playoff journey that culminated in the Nuggets clinching the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Joining Murray for the 2024 Olympics are fellow Canadian NBA talents such as Kelly Olynyk and RJ Barrett of the Toronto Raptors, Nickeil Alexander-Walker of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dwight Powell of the Dallas Mavericks, Dillon Brooks of the Houston Rockets, as well as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort of the Oklahoma City Thunder. This core group, previously part of the 2023 World Cup team, is expected to reunite for the Olympic campaign.
Jordi Fernandez, the former head coach of the 2023 World Cup squad, will resume his coaching duties for Canada in Paris after being appointed as the Brooklyn Nets’ new head coach.
Reports suggest that Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin is eyeing a spot on the Canadian Olympic roster for the upcoming games.
Set to commence on July 24, the Olympic basketball tournament will see Canada placed in Group A alongside Spain, Australia, and Greece.
