Canada will field a roster ladened with NBA players in the upcoming FIBA World Cup this month, making them a legit contender for the title.
However, Jamal Murray's status is still hanging in the balance since, among all of them, he had the longest 2023 NBA season after winning the NBA title with the Denver Nuggets and is just coming off a long rehab for an injured knee.
Guard RJ Barrett of the New York Knicks believes Murray will still play despite injury concerns. This is why he thinks the Canada national basketball team needs to be careful with him and make sure to always consult the medical personnel.
Barrett on Murray: "He's coming in after a very, very long season, coming off an injury... We need to be smart with him. He's coming in very tired so we've gotta really watch him and work with our therapy team and make the right decision for him medically. He looks good so far." pic.twitter.com/HVaeMgzNem
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) August 1, 2023
"It's tough. You've almost gotta save him from himself," Barrett said in an interview with TSN Sports' Josh Lewenberg.
Read more: Team USA in Talks to Have NBA MVP Joel Embiid for World Cup
He even recalled one instance when Murray threw himself into extra practice sessions, a similar scenario he expects to see from Murray as they prepare for the August event hosted by Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
"You're having two practices a day so you take the shoes away after practice and he gets off the court and then I see him on the other side shooting in bare feet," he shared.
Full Canada roster for FIBA World Cup
Canada will come to the competition as a 15th-seeded team and is part of Group H with Latvia, Lebanon, and world no. 5 France.
Point Guards: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray, Cory Joseph
Wings: RJ Barrett, Dillon Brooks, Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Power Forwards: Luguentz Dort, Oshae Brissett
Centers: Kelly Olynyk, Dwight Powell, Zach Edey
Related article: Is Denver Nuggets Star Nikola Jokic Playing for Serbia in FIBA World Cup?
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