Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, rest of Canada’s NBAers left wanting more in 2024

Canada’s best men’s basketball players were left wanting more in 2024 as they fell short of their goals on both the international and NBA stages. Hamilton’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished second in NBA MVP voting for the 2023-24 season, led the way with an outstanding performance, but it wasn’t enough to secure a medal at the Paris Olympics.

Despite a record-high 27 Canadians in the NBA, Gilgeous-Alexander’s Oklahoma City Thunder suffered a disappointing second-round exit in the playoffs. The Canadian men’s senior team also had a disappointing finish at the Olympics, coming in fifth after a loss to France in the quarterfinals.

Reflecting on the missed opportunity at the Olympics, Gilgeous-Alexander expressed his disappointment, stating, “The opportunity to medal and win, we didn’t get a chance to do it and being in it, you kind of take it for granted.” He emphasized the importance of cherishing every chance to compete for a championship, whether in the NBA or the Olympics.

Despite the setbacks, Gilgeous-Alexander remains optimistic about the future, both for himself and for Canadian basketball. With the quadrennial for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics underway, Canada is already showing promise on the international stage. The Canadian men’s team, without any NBA players, had a perfect 4-0 record in the FIBA AmeriCup 2025 qualifiers, demonstrating the depth of talent in the country.

Looking ahead, Gilgeous-Alexander is determined to continue working hard to achieve his goals, both in the NBA and on the international stage. He remains a dominant force on the court, leading the Thunder in scoring and playmaking this season.

While there were fewer Canadians in the NBA this season compared to last, the emergence of young talents like Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies bodes well for the future of Canadian basketball. Edey, a seven-foot-four centre, made his NBA debut after winning the Naismith Award as U.S. college basketball’s player of the year for the second time.

As Canada’s best men’s basketball players regroup and refocus for the challenges ahead, the potential for success remains high. With a strong core of players and a growing pool of talent, the future looks bright for Canadian basketball on both the national and international stages.