With Jamal Murray out, Canada will turn to NBA stars Shai Gilegous-Alexander and RJ Barrett to lead them to glory at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup gets underway on August 25th, as 32 nations from four federations will compete for 2024 Olympic qualification and a World Cup title.
The 2023 tournament – to be hosted across the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia – is the 19th edition and the second to feature 32 nations, having expanded from 24 teams in 2019.
Canada (+1000 to Win Outright) is bringing a star-studded roster to southeast Asia in search of its first FIBA World Cup medal.
The Canadians have never placed better than sixth in the FIBA World Cup – a mark they are expected to improve on with NBA stars donning the red and white in this year’s edition.
| What | 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup |
| Where | Across the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia |
| When | Friday, August 25 - Sunday, September 10, 2023 |
| How to watch | Sportsnet |
| Odds (To Win Outright): | USA -112, France +750, Australia +900, Canada +1000 |
Let’s take a look at Canada’s confirmed 2023 FIBA World Cup roster.
Canada 2023 FIBA World Cup roster
Point guard Cory Joseph, forward Oshae Brissett and guard Kassius Robertson have withdrawn from Canada's FIBA World Cup roster, as of August 7. Jamal Murray announced he will miss the tournament on August 16.
| Position | Player | Pro Team |
| F | Kyle Alexander | Valencia |
| G | Nickeil Alexander-Walker | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| G/F | RJ Barrett | New York Knicks |
| G | Trae Bell-Haynes | Casademont Zaragoza |
| F | Dillon Brooks | Houston Rockets |
| G | Luguentz Dort | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| C | Zach Edey | Purdue Boilermakers |
| F | Melvin Ejim | Unicaja |
| G | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| C | Kelly Olynyk | Utah Jazz |
| F/C | Dwight Powell | Dallas Mavericks |
| G | Phil Scrubb | Niagara River Lions |
| F | Thomas Scrubb | Ottawa BlackJacks |
Who is Canada's head coach?
Current Sacramento Kings associate head coach Jordi Fernández will lead Canada in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Canada's Key players
RJ Barrett
While Barrett hasn’t elevated to the star power of some of his national team peers, the 23-year-old excelled in the New York Knicks’ playoff run this past NBA postseason.
The Toronto and Mississauga native posted six 20+ point games across two series and was one of the premier playmakers for the Knicks alongside Jalen Brunson.
With Jamal Murray out, Canada will look to Barrett to be the complementary piece alongside Gilgeous-Alexander.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Gilgeous-Alexander and Murray – both Kentucky Wildcats – combine to form the most daunting backcourt in this tournament, even more so than the Americans.
SGA exploded in the 2022/23 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, making All-NBA First Team, finishing fourth in the NBA in scoring (31.4 PPG) and second Most Improved Player voting.
Luguentz Dort
While Murray and Gilgeous-Alexander will be Canada’s primary ball-handlers, Dort could be the key player in a World Cup title run for the red and white.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s teammate in OKC for the last four seasons, Dort has blossomed into one of the NBA’s elite defenders. The 24-year-old will likely be responsible for guarding each team’s best guard.
