Nuggets' Jamal Murray Confirms Participation for Team Canada at 2024 Olympics
Following the Denver Nuggets' exit from the NBA playoffs, Jamal Murray has confirmed his commitment to represent Canada at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, as reported by Vinny Benedetto of the Denver Gazette.
Hailing from Kitchener, Ontario, Murray boasts a robust international career, having previously represented both the junior and senior Canadian men's national teams. Notably, he played a pivotal role in securing a silver medal for Canada at the 2015 Pan American Games, where he averaged an impressive 16 points per game at just 18 years old.
Although Murray missed the opportunity to compete in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where Canada secured a bronze medal, due to post-season recovery commitments after clinching the NBA championship with the Nuggets, he is poised to make his mark on the Olympic stage this summer.
Joining Murray on the Canadian roster are seasoned international players 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, all of whom were part of the successful 2023 World Cup squad.
The team will be guided by head coach Jordi Fernandez, who returns to lead Canada in Paris after being appointed as the Brooklyn Nets' new head coach.
In addition to the core roster, there's potential for new talent to join, with reports indicating Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin's interest in representing Canada at the upcoming Olympic Games.
Canada will compete in Group A alongside formidable opponents including Spain, Australia, and Greece when the Olympic Games kick off on July 24.
