Detroit Pistons could have 8 or even 9 current players in 2024 Olympics (Really)
Oh, Canada: Detroit Pistons have trio of national team members
It has been a while since Canada’s men’s team has participated in the actual Olympics, which is a bit surprising, considering all the talent that has come from Up North. The Canadians have not qualified for the Olympics since 2000, when they finished seventh, led by Hall of Fame guard Steve Nash.
This was suppose to be the year the drought was ended and the Maple Leaf would be back in the Olympics.
Canada was hosting a qualifying tournament and had eight NBA players on its roster, only the USA had more. Among them were Cory Joseph and Trey Lyles, who were both starters. Kelly Olynyk has also been a regular with the national team in the past, but did not participate, as he was a free agent in the NBA.
Canada lost shockingly to the Czech Republic, 103-101, in the semifinals.
All three Canadians signed free agent contracts with Detroit this off-season.
Kelly Olynyk: If he wants to, Olynyk should be on the Canadian national team in 2024. He is not shy about playing for them. Olynyk played with Canada at the 2015 FIBA AmeriCup and was on the national team in 2019 but had to leave due to an injury.
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Olynyk’s size would be a welcome addition. Unfortunately, like this year, Olynyk could be entering free agency in 2024, so he may choose to skip the Olympics again if unsigned at that time.
Cory Joseph: Not only is Joseph on the Canadian national team, he is a team leader. Joseph has been on the team for 10 years and is a captain. No one was more devastated by the Czech Republic loss than Joseph.
Although he will be 33 at the time of the next Olympics, Joseph will undoubtedly be part of the team, as his leadership and experience will be needed.
Trey Lyles: While Lyles may not have had the NBA career expected of the No. 12 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, he has been a mainstay for Canada. In the loss to the Czech Republic, Lyles scored 10 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.
Lyles will only be 28 at the time of the Paris Olympics, so he should, once again, be a key player for Canada.
All three Canadian Pistons should be on the national team, if they want to, in 2024. The big question is, will Canada get to actually play in Paris. Their history the past four Olympiads has been one of heartbreaking loss after heartbreaking loss, but they certainly have the talent.
Other Pistons could also be going ‘Qui, Qui’ in 2024 besides Americans and Canadians.