Team Canada suffered a huge blow before the start of the FIBA World Cup in China. One of the key players, Sacramento Kings point guard Cory Joseph, withdrew from the squad!
Dough Smith of the Toronto Star shared the news provided from his insiders, which stunned the fans of the Canadian basketball team.
“NBA source tells me Cory Joseph will NOT play for Canada at the World Cup. Middle of the night in Australia, so Canada Basketball comment a few hours away,” Smith wrote on his Twitter account.
The player was present throughout the team’s training camp. He was supposed to appear against Australia in two friendly matches. Shortly before the first one scheduled for the 16th, Joseph left the team and was supposed to come back.
But he didn’t.
For now, there are no explanations regarding this situation. Joseph has a long history with the Canadian national team, which makes this situation even more interesting. His first appearance in the national jersey was in 2008 at FIBA Americas U-18 Championship. After that, he continued to progress until receiving an invitation for the senior team in 2011. Ever since he has been one of the vital players in each success, this team has made. In 2015 he became the captain.
Joseph won two bronze medals with Team Canada, one
at FIBA AmeriCup in 2015, and one at FIBA Americas U18 in 2008.
Joseph was one of two NBA players who were supposed to play in the upcoming World Cup in China. Orlando Magic’s Khem Birch was the second, but Joseph’s presence was pivotal. After many withdrawals. Kings’ point guard was supposed to be the absolute leader of the crew.
Jamal Murray, RJ Barrett, Kely Ollynik, Andrew Wiggins, etc., all of these guys had the interest to play for the national team but eventually backed out. The importance of the tournament is that it also presents the qualifiers for the Olympic games. That is why Canada has to make a good result. In order to clinch the spot for Tokyo, Canada has to be among the two best-positioned teams from the FIBA Americas zone.
They are starting the competition in Group H, along with Senegal, Lithuania, and Australia. This assembly is by far the toughest at the entire tournament, and if by any chance Nurse’s boys fail to be among top two, the Olympic dream is over.
It is why they needed Joseph so bad. His experience and the undeniable quality were vital for success.
The 29th pick of the 2011 NBA draft, began his career in San Antonio. He was also sent to D-League where he played for the Austin Toros, becoming one of the best players of that competition. Later, Gregg Popovich found Joseph a perfect spot in the team, and his contribution in the 2014 NBA title was significant.
From 2015 to 2017, Joseph played for Toronto Raptors, and after that for the Indiana Pacers.
During early July, Joseph signed a deal with the Sacramento Kings. The terms of that contract were not revealed.
