After winning a bronze medal at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Canada’s Men’s National Basketball Team is returning to the Olympics for the first time since 2000. And while this is Canada’s most talented roster to date, one notable player will be absent.
Former No. 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins, one of four Canadians in NBA history to be selected for the All-Star Game, will not be in attendance when action begins in Paris. Wiggins, 29, last wore a Team Canada jersey when it attempted to qualify for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
Before this year’s Games, Wiggins expressed interest in rejoining the national team, but ultimately fell through. Where is Wiggins? Here’s why the Golden State forward won’t be on Canada’s basketball roster for the Olympics.
Why Andrew Wiggins is not on Canada’s Olympic basketball roster
Wiggins is not on Canada’s roster for the 2024 Olympics because the Warriors prevented him from participating, according to reports. Doug Smith of the Toronto Star and Michael Grange of Sportsnet At the end of june.
At the time, the Warriors were entering the free agency period and Wiggins was a potential trade chip that could be used to acquire a player with a large salary. Wiggins would become more susceptible to injury by participating in international competition, which would threaten potential deals.
“I was told this was a last-minute thing,” Grange said. “Wiggins was insured and cleared by a doctor.” [Canada Basketball] But now it’s very blocked and the Dubs don’t accept it.”
Grange added that Wiggins was not happy with the decision, further suggesting that it was the Warriors’ choice to leave him out and that there may have been resistance from Wiggins and his camp.
Wiggins appeared in 71 of 82 games during the 2023-24 season but played through an ankle injury, which would be enough for a Golden State team doctor to flag his possible participation.
A month after initial reports, Wiggins remains a member of the Warriors’ roster, though the franchise is reportedly still active in the trade market. It remains to be seen whether Wiggins will be on Golden State’s roster for Opening Day of the 2024-25 season, but he won’t be with Canada when the 2024 Olympics begin.
Men’s basketball roster for the Canada Olympics
Here is Canada’s full 12-man roster for the 2024 Olympics in Paris:
| Name | Native city | Equipment |
| Nickel Alexander-Walker | Toronto, Ontario | Timber Wolves |
| RJ Barrett | Mississauga, Ontario | Raptors |
| Khem birch | Montreal, Quebec | Girona Basketball |
| Dillon Brooks | Mississauga, Ontario | Rockets |
| Luguentz Dorm | Montreal, Quebec | Thunder |
| Melvin Ejim | Toronto, Ontario | Unicaja Malaga |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Hamilton, Ontario | Thunder |
| Trey Lyles | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan | Kings |
| Jamal Murray | Kitchener, Ontario | Nuggets |
| Andres Nembhard | Aurora, Ontario | Pacemaker |
| Kelly Olynyk | Kamloops, British Columbia | Raptors |
| Dwight Powell | Toronto, Ontario | Dissidents |
Canada 2024 Olympic Basketball Games Schedule
Canada begins its Olympic campaign against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Greek national team. It will then face Australia and close the group stage against Spain.
| Date | Adversary | Time (ET) |
| July 27th | Greece | 3 pm |
| July 30th | Australia | 7:30 am |
| August 2nd | Spain | 11:15 am |
