Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would love to play with two more stars now that Canada can turn all its attention to the Paris Olympics next year.
Though he’s leaving it up to the parties concerned, the 25-year-old likes the idea of competing alongside Jamal Murray and Andrew Wiggins as they aim to stay successful following a bronze finish in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
“It’s up to the front office and those two. I have no clue [but] I’d love to have ’em,” he said shortly after their medal-clinching 127-118 overtime win over the United States at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, Sunday night.
Both Wiggins and Murray opted not to join Canada for the World Cup as both players wanted to take some time to rest from the NBA season.
The Golden State Warriors forward was the first to beg off. The Denver guard then pulled out just days before the quadrennial hoops tilt as he wanted to take a break from the rigors of the Nuggets’ maiden championship run.
It left the national team to younger guys like SGA and Dillon Brooks yet they exceeded expectations by winning the country its first-ever World Cup medal.
The said tandem starred in winning the North American battle. Brooks finished with a game-high 39 points on seven treys, while Gilgeous-Alexander came through with a big double-double with 31 points and 12 assists.
“It feels good,” said Shai. “It’s an honor really to play for this group. [And considering the] things we accomplished, the things we did, it’s an honor.”
Now, Gilgeous-Alexander reaffirmed his commitment to the men’s team for the 2024 Olympics as they try to write history once more for the nation.
“Absolutely,” he said.
With Wiggins and Murray, too, hopefully.
(C) FIBA.basketball
