Olympic basketball: Canada's 'Dream Team' looks set to challenge the USA

Canada's "Dream Team" men's Olympic basketball team is off to a good start in Paris, having gone 3-0 in their group that featured three other medal hopes in Australia, Greece and Spain.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder has been a dominant force for Canada throughout the Games and will need to continue his form with Canada taking on France and Victor Wembanyama in the Olympic quarter-final.

This is possibly Canada's best-ever Olympic basketball team, with a roster stacked full of NBA talent, let's take a look at their story and the players involved in more detail.

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Canada has emerged as a major force in world basketball and a formidable rival to the dominant United States as the Paris 2024 Olympic Games approach. The team, gaining impressive momentum, is shaping up to be a strong contender.

In the last World Cup in 2023, they finished third, after beating the American team in their last match by 118-127. A heavily disputed game, filled with grade-A basketball. Both teams arrive at the Olympics in great form.

The Canadians began their journey in Group A, a serious test against three strong rivals: Spain, Greece, and Australia.

Canadian coach Jordi Fernández, who also coaches the Brooklyn Nets, revealed a star-studded final roster with hopes of securing a medal. The team includes 10 NBA players and 2 from the ACB.

The standout star of the Denver Nuggets is also a major addition to the Canadian team for the Paris Games, having missed the 2023 World Cup due to injury. The 27-year-old point guard and shooting guard is renowned for his offensive prowess, powerful physique, and exceptional scoring ability.

The young guard from Toronto is noted for his defensive potential, offering height, length, and dedication. He excels in steals and rebounds and is also highly versatile offensively, as showcased with his team, the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The shooting guard is one of the great offensive 'aces' of the Toronto Raptors. Third pick in the 2019 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, with whom he played four seasons at a high level before leaving for his country's team to become one of its great stars.

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Also from the Toronto Raptors, Kelly Olynyk, a 2.11 meter (6'9 ft) power forward who will contribute to the Canadian team with experience on the court.

Two Oklahoma City Thunder players are playing for Canada at the Olympic Games. The first is Luguentz Dort, a 25-year-old guard who, like RJ Barrett, was selected in the 2019 Draft. Dort is known for his impressive offensive potential and exceptional defensive skills.

Considered by some as 'the silent star' of the Canadian 'Dream Team', Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be the other Oklahoma City Thunder present in the team.

The 28-year-old forward, a key player for the Houston Rockets, is known for his controversial and tough presence on the court. In 2023, he boldly declared himself 'the best defender in the World Cup, the world, and the NBA,' showcasing his confidence.

The 28-year-old 'Trey Mamba', who joined the Utah Jazz in 2015, will prove to be a strong power forward for the Canadians. He also played for the Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, and, finally, Sacramento Kings.

The 24-year-old point guard from Ontario was selected by the Indiana Pacers in the 2022 Draft. He has showcased his impressive skills, excelling as a complete pick-and-roll player.

At 33 years old, he is one of the veteran players on the Canadian team. Having spent most of his career at the Dallas Mavericks, he is a highly agile power forward known for his exceptional technical skills and contributions to both defense and offense.

Melvin Ejim, another veteran (33 years old) who currently plays for Unicaja Malaga, will also be present in Jordi Fernández's team. A very physical player who excels thanks to his experience.

Born in Montreal, Khem Birch currently plays for Básquet Girona in the ACB. Throughout his career, he has also played in the NBA for teams like the Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors, as well as for prominent European clubs such as Olympiakos in Greece. Birch is especially noted for his physicality and defensive prowess as a center.

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