By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Denver Nuggets standout player and NBA champion Jamal Murray will not be joining the Canadian national team for their preparatory exhibition games in Germany, as reported by Dough Smith of the Toronto Star.
However, despite his absence in Germany, there remains optimism within Canada’s basketball community that Murray might make a return when the team travels to Spain for a tournament, where they are set to face Spain and the Dominican Republic on August 17th and 18th.
Murray, who recently returned to the court after recovering from a serious injury, completed a demanding season. As a result, Canada’s approach toward his participation will be cautious while they maintain hope that he will eventually join the team for the upcoming World Cup, where Canada is slated to compete against Latvia, Lebanon, and France in Group H.
While Murray takes a temporary break from the court, three other players have withdrawn from the team. Cory Joseph from the Golden State Warriors, Oshae Brissett from the Boston Celtics, and Kassius Robertson from Valencia will not be participating in the upcoming matches in Jakarta at the World Cup.
Nonetheless, Canada still boasts a formidable roster, including Shai Gilgeous Alexander, R.J. Barrett, Luguentz Dort, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dwight Powell, Dillon Brooks, and Kelly Olynyk. Additionally, Trae Bell Haynes, Kyle Alexander, Melvin Eji, Zach Edey, and Phil and Thomas Scrubb will represent the team in their matches against Germany in Berlin, as well as New Zealand and China or Germany again at the forthcoming tournament in Hamburg.