LAS VEGAS — Dillon Brooks, by no means one to shrink back from a famous person problem or a sound chunk, has a message for LeBron James, Stephen Curry and the remainder of the Individuals heading into Wednesday’s Olympics exhibition recreation between Group USA and Canada.
The Canadians are coming — once more.
“I take it as (simply) one other recreation, however me being who I’m, I wish to make a press release,” Brooks, the Houston Rockets guard whose Canadian crew received this system’s first-ever medal (a bronze) final September in opposition to the Individuals within the FIBA World Cup, instructed reporters late Monday evening. “So I’ll be able to play. Group Canada might be able to play, and we’re gonna go balls to the wall and watch the movie after and see if we received higher.”
As if this budding worldwide rivalry wasn’t attention-grabbing sufficient already, Brooks’ involvement takes it to a different degree due to his lengthy and sordid historical past with the 2 largest stars on the American squad. Throughout his Memphis Grizzlies days, Brooks’ battles with Curry’s Golden State Warriors had been contentious at each flip. Ditto for his time in opposition to James’ Los Angeles Lakers, each with the Grizzlies and the Rockets, as he has taken the sport’s best participant head-on in a method no different participant can declare.
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To listen to Brooks inform it, his well-chronicled competitiveness might be reaching a brand new excessive due to the involvement of the Individuals’ high two gamers. In spite of everything, nobody can blame him for believing that the Canadians performed a pivotal half within the American roster getting upgraded for this Olympics problem.
Simply sooner or later after the Canadians beat the Individuals within the bronze-medal recreation, when Brooks scored 39 factors and the favored Individuals needed to head residence with out stepping on the medal stand, The Athletic reported that James was not solely able to decide to Group USA however that he was main the recruiting efforts for different A-list abilities. Curry topped the checklist. So, Brooks was requested, is it doable that he’s much more motivated than ever due to the distinctive dynamics in play?
“Yeah, as a result of there’s new USA gamers, , that spoke up after (the bronze-medal recreation), and needed to play,” he mentioned. “So, , I’m completely satisfied that they’re enjoying as a result of, , we get to check our abilities in opposition to theirs. And , it needs to be a enjoyable one.”
Who involves thoughts?
“Effectively at the start, it was Steph and LeBron that got here out and mentioned one thing, after which everybody else began becoming a member of on,” Brooks continued. “I’m completely satisfied that they made the dedication, so let’s see. Expertise in opposition to expertise.
“They’ve gotta guard. They’ve gotta play protection. That’s my primary factor. Each crew that has to play in opposition to us has to protect, has to scout in opposition to us. And we’re simply going to play our recreation and make changes in the course of the recreation.”
Whereas Group USA is actually the Olympic favourite, the Canadians are hardly missing for elite expertise. From Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (who was second in MVP voting final season) to the Denver Nuggets’ Jamal Murray, the Thunder’s Lu Dort on down, Group Canada isn’t solely formidable however foundational. With Brooklyn Nets coach Jordi Fernandez on the helm, they’ve achieved a current degree of roster consistency that usually bodes nicely in worldwide play. And the Individuals, as Brooks made clear, are the most important menace to the crew targets that lie forward.
“The idea was all the time there; we simply needed to put it collectively,” Brooks mentioned. “Now we’ve received plenty of gamers which can be dedicated, prepared to construct this each single summer season to get higher and higher and construct chemistry and construct camaraderie.
“Our time was final yr. And now (it’s) our time for this yr. However as an alternative of getting bronze, we wish the gold.”
Required studying
(Picture: Jam Sta Rosa / AFP through Getty Photos)
LAS VEGAS — Dillon Brooks, by no means one to shrink back from a famous person problem or a sound chunk, has a message for LeBron James, Stephen Curry and the remainder of the Individuals heading into Wednesday’s Olympics exhibition recreation between Group USA and Canada.
The Canadians are coming — once more.
“I take it as (simply) one other recreation, however me being who I’m, I wish to make a press release,” Brooks, the Houston Rockets guard whose Canadian crew received this system’s first-ever medal (a bronze) final September in opposition to the Individuals within the FIBA World Cup, instructed reporters late Monday evening. “So I’ll be able to play. Group Canada might be able to play, and we’re gonna go balls to the wall and watch the movie after and see if we received higher.”
As if this budding worldwide rivalry wasn’t attention-grabbing sufficient already, Brooks’ involvement takes it to a different degree due to his lengthy and sordid historical past with the 2 largest stars on the American squad. Throughout his Memphis Grizzlies days, Brooks’ battles with Curry’s Golden State Warriors had been contentious at each flip. Ditto for his time in opposition to James’ Los Angeles Lakers, each with the Grizzlies and the Rockets, as he has taken the sport’s best participant head-on in a method no different participant can declare.
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To listen to Brooks inform it, his well-chronicled competitiveness might be reaching a brand new excessive due to the involvement of the Individuals’ high two gamers. In spite of everything, nobody can blame him for believing that the Canadians performed a pivotal half within the American roster getting upgraded for this Olympics problem.
Simply sooner or later after the Canadians beat the Individuals within the bronze-medal recreation, when Brooks scored 39 factors and the favored Individuals needed to head residence with out stepping on the medal stand, The Athletic reported that James was not solely able to decide to Group USA however that he was main the recruiting efforts for different A-list abilities. Curry topped the checklist. So, Brooks was requested, is it doable that he’s much more motivated than ever due to the distinctive dynamics in play?
“Yeah, as a result of there’s new USA gamers, , that spoke up after (the bronze-medal recreation), and needed to play,” he mentioned. “So, , I’m completely satisfied that they’re enjoying as a result of, , we get to check our abilities in opposition to theirs. And , it needs to be a enjoyable one.”
Who involves thoughts?
“Effectively at the start, it was Steph and LeBron that got here out and mentioned one thing, after which everybody else began becoming a member of on,” Brooks continued. “I’m completely satisfied that they made the dedication, so let’s see. Expertise in opposition to expertise.
“They’ve gotta guard. They’ve gotta play protection. That’s my primary factor. Each crew that has to play in opposition to us has to protect, has to scout in opposition to us. And we’re simply going to play our recreation and make changes in the course of the recreation.”
Whereas Group USA is actually the Olympic favourite, the Canadians are hardly missing for elite expertise. From Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (who was second in MVP voting final season) to the Denver Nuggets’ Jamal Murray, the Thunder’s Lu Dort on down, Group Canada isn’t solely formidable however foundational. With Brooklyn Nets coach Jordi Fernandez on the helm, they’ve achieved a current degree of roster consistency that usually bodes nicely in worldwide play. And the Individuals, as Brooks made clear, are the most important menace to the crew targets that lie forward.
“The idea was all the time there; we simply needed to put it collectively,” Brooks mentioned. “Now we’ve received plenty of gamers which can be dedicated, prepared to construct this each single summer season to get higher and higher and construct chemistry and construct camaraderie.
“Our time was final yr. And now (it’s) our time for this yr. However as an alternative of getting bronze, we wish the gold.”
Required studying
(Picture: Jam Sta Rosa / AFP through Getty Photos)
LAS VEGAS — Dillon Brooks, by no means one to shrink back from a famous person problem or a sound chunk, has a message for LeBron James, Stephen Curry and the remainder of the Individuals heading into Wednesday’s Olympics exhibition recreation between Group USA and Canada.
The Canadians are coming — once more.
“I take it as (simply) one other recreation, however me being who I’m, I wish to make a press release,” Brooks, the Houston Rockets guard whose Canadian crew received this system’s first-ever medal (a bronze) final September in opposition to the Individuals within the FIBA World Cup, instructed reporters late Monday evening. “So I’ll be able to play. Group Canada might be able to play, and we’re gonna go balls to the wall and watch the movie after and see if we received higher.”
As if this budding worldwide rivalry wasn’t attention-grabbing sufficient already, Brooks’ involvement takes it to a different degree due to his lengthy and sordid historical past with the 2 largest stars on the American squad. Throughout his Memphis Grizzlies days, Brooks’ battles with Curry’s Golden State Warriors had been contentious at each flip. Ditto for his time in opposition to James’ Los Angeles Lakers, each with the Grizzlies and the Rockets, as he has taken the sport’s best participant head-on in a method no different participant can declare.
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To listen to Brooks inform it, his well-chronicled competitiveness might be reaching a brand new excessive due to the involvement of the Individuals’ high two gamers. In spite of everything, nobody can blame him for believing that the Canadians performed a pivotal half within the American roster getting upgraded for this Olympics problem.
Simply sooner or later after the Canadians beat the Individuals within the bronze-medal recreation, when Brooks scored 39 factors and the favored Individuals needed to head residence with out stepping on the medal stand, The Athletic reported that James was not solely able to decide to Group USA however that he was main the recruiting efforts for different A-list abilities. Curry topped the checklist. So, Brooks was requested, is it doable that he’s much more motivated than ever due to the distinctive dynamics in play?
“Yeah, as a result of there’s new USA gamers, , that spoke up after (the bronze-medal recreation), and needed to play,” he mentioned. “So, , I’m completely satisfied that they’re enjoying as a result of, , we get to check our abilities in opposition to theirs. And , it needs to be a enjoyable one.”
Who involves thoughts?
“Effectively at the start, it was Steph and LeBron that got here out and mentioned one thing, after which everybody else began becoming a member of on,” Brooks continued. “I’m completely satisfied that they made the dedication, so let’s see. Expertise in opposition to expertise.
“They’ve gotta guard. They’ve gotta play protection. That’s my primary factor. Each crew that has to play in opposition to us has to protect, has to scout in opposition to us. And we’re simply going to play our recreation and make changes in the course of the recreation.”
Whereas Group USA is actually the Olympic favourite, the Canadians are hardly missing for elite expertise. From Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (who was second in MVP voting final season) to the Denver Nuggets’ Jamal Murray, the Thunder’s Lu Dort on down, Group Canada isn’t solely formidable however foundational. With Brooklyn Nets coach Jordi Fernandez on the helm, they’ve achieved a current degree of roster consistency that usually bodes nicely in worldwide play. And the Individuals, as Brooks made clear, are the most important menace to the crew targets that lie forward.
“The idea was all the time there; we simply needed to put it collectively,” Brooks mentioned. “Now we’ve received plenty of gamers which can be dedicated, prepared to construct this each single summer season to get higher and higher and construct chemistry and construct camaraderie.
“Our time was final yr. And now (it’s) our time for this yr. However as an alternative of getting bronze, we wish the gold.”
Required studying
(Picture: Jam Sta Rosa / AFP through Getty Photos)
LAS VEGAS — Dillon Brooks, by no means one to shrink back from a famous person problem or a sound chunk, has a message for LeBron James, Stephen Curry and the remainder of the Individuals heading into Wednesday’s Olympics exhibition recreation between Group USA and Canada.
The Canadians are coming — once more.
“I take it as (simply) one other recreation, however me being who I’m, I wish to make a press release,” Brooks, the Houston Rockets guard whose Canadian crew received this system’s first-ever medal (a bronze) final September in opposition to the Individuals within the FIBA World Cup, instructed reporters late Monday evening. “So I’ll be able to play. Group Canada might be able to play, and we’re gonna go balls to the wall and watch the movie after and see if we received higher.”
As if this budding worldwide rivalry wasn’t attention-grabbing sufficient already, Brooks’ involvement takes it to a different degree due to his lengthy and sordid historical past with the 2 largest stars on the American squad. Throughout his Memphis Grizzlies days, Brooks’ battles with Curry’s Golden State Warriors had been contentious at each flip. Ditto for his time in opposition to James’ Los Angeles Lakers, each with the Grizzlies and the Rockets, as he has taken the sport’s best participant head-on in a method no different participant can declare.
Free, every day sports activities updates direct to your inbox. Enroll
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To listen to Brooks inform it, his well-chronicled competitiveness might be reaching a brand new excessive due to the involvement of the Individuals’ high two gamers. In spite of everything, nobody can blame him for believing that the Canadians performed a pivotal half within the American roster getting upgraded for this Olympics problem.
Simply sooner or later after the Canadians beat the Individuals within the bronze-medal recreation, when Brooks scored 39 factors and the favored Individuals needed to head residence with out stepping on the medal stand, The Athletic reported that James was not solely able to decide to Group USA however that he was main the recruiting efforts for different A-list abilities. Curry topped the checklist. So, Brooks was requested, is it doable that he’s much more motivated than ever due to the distinctive dynamics in play?
“Yeah, as a result of there’s new USA gamers, , that spoke up after (the bronze-medal recreation), and needed to play,” he mentioned. “So, , I’m completely satisfied that they’re enjoying as a result of, , we get to check our abilities in opposition to theirs. And , it needs to be a enjoyable one.”
Who involves thoughts?
“Effectively at the start, it was Steph and LeBron that got here out and mentioned one thing, after which everybody else began becoming a member of on,” Brooks continued. “I’m completely satisfied that they made the dedication, so let’s see. Expertise in opposition to expertise.
“They’ve gotta guard. They’ve gotta play protection. That’s my primary factor. Each crew that has to play in opposition to us has to protect, has to scout in opposition to us. And we’re simply going to play our recreation and make changes in the course of the recreation.”
Whereas Group USA is actually the Olympic favourite, the Canadians are hardly missing for elite expertise. From Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (who was second in MVP voting final season) to the Denver Nuggets’ Jamal Murray, the Thunder’s Lu Dort on down, Group Canada isn’t solely formidable however foundational. With Brooklyn Nets coach Jordi Fernandez on the helm, they’ve achieved a current degree of roster consistency that usually bodes nicely in worldwide play. And the Individuals, as Brooks made clear, are the most important menace to the crew targets that lie forward.
“The idea was all the time there; we simply needed to put it collectively,” Brooks mentioned. “Now we’ve received plenty of gamers which can be dedicated, prepared to construct this each single summer season to get higher and higher and construct chemistry and construct camaraderie.
“Our time was final yr. And now (it’s) our time for this yr. However as an alternative of getting bronze, we wish the gold.”
Required studying
(Picture: Jam Sta Rosa / AFP through Getty Photos)
LAS VEGAS — Dillon Brooks, by no means one to shrink back from a famous person problem or a sound chunk, has a message for LeBron James, Stephen Curry and the remainder of the Individuals heading into Wednesday’s Olympics exhibition recreation between Group USA and Canada.
The Canadians are coming — once more.
“I take it as (simply) one other recreation, however me being who I’m, I wish to make a press release,” Brooks, the Houston Rockets guard whose Canadian crew received this system’s first-ever medal (a bronze) final September in opposition to the Individuals within the FIBA World Cup, instructed reporters late Monday evening. “So I’ll be able to play. Group Canada might be able to play, and we’re gonna go balls to the wall and watch the movie after and see if we received higher.”
As if this budding worldwide rivalry wasn’t attention-grabbing sufficient already, Brooks’ involvement takes it to a different degree due to his lengthy and sordid historical past with the 2 largest stars on the American squad. Throughout his Memphis Grizzlies days, Brooks’ battles with Curry’s Golden State Warriors had been contentious at each flip. Ditto for his time in opposition to James’ Los Angeles Lakers, each with the Grizzlies and the Rockets, as he has taken the sport’s best participant head-on in a method no different participant can declare.
Free, every day sports activities updates direct to your inbox. Enroll
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To listen to Brooks inform it, his well-chronicled competitiveness might be reaching a brand new excessive due to the involvement of the Individuals’ high two gamers. In spite of everything, nobody can blame him for believing that the Canadians performed a pivotal half within the American roster getting upgraded for this Olympics problem.
Simply sooner or later after the Canadians beat the Individuals within the bronze-medal recreation, when Brooks scored 39 factors and the favored Individuals needed to head residence with out stepping on the medal stand, The Athletic reported that James was not solely able to decide to Group USA however that he was main the recruiting efforts for different A-list abilities. Curry topped the checklist. So, Brooks was requested, is it doable that he’s much more motivated than ever due to the distinctive dynamics in play?
“Yeah, as a result of there’s new USA gamers, , that spoke up after (the bronze-medal recreation), and needed to play,” he mentioned. “So, , I’m completely satisfied that they’re enjoying as a result of, , we get to check our abilities in opposition to theirs. And , it needs to be a enjoyable one.”
Who involves thoughts?
“Effectively at the start, it was Steph and LeBron that got here out and mentioned one thing, after which everybody else began becoming a member of on,” Brooks continued. “I’m completely satisfied that they made the dedication, so let’s see. Expertise in opposition to expertise.
“They’ve gotta guard. They’ve gotta play protection. That’s my primary factor. Each crew that has to play in opposition to us has to protect, has to scout in opposition to us. And we’re simply going to play our recreation and make changes in the course of the recreation.”
Whereas Group USA is actually the Olympic favourite, the Canadians are hardly missing for elite expertise. From Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (who was second in MVP voting final season) to the Denver Nuggets’ Jamal Murray, the Thunder’s Lu Dort on down, Group Canada isn’t solely formidable however foundational. With Brooklyn Nets coach Jordi Fernandez on the helm, they’ve achieved a current degree of roster consistency that usually bodes nicely in worldwide play. And the Individuals, as Brooks made clear, are the most important menace to the crew targets that lie forward.
“The idea was all the time there; we simply needed to put it collectively,” Brooks mentioned. “Now we’ve received plenty of gamers which can be dedicated, prepared to construct this each single summer season to get higher and higher and construct chemistry and construct camaraderie.
“Our time was final yr. And now (it’s) our time for this yr. However as an alternative of getting bronze, we wish the gold.”
Required studying
(Picture: Jam Sta Rosa / AFP through Getty Photos)
LAS VEGAS — Dillon Brooks, by no means one to shrink back from a famous person problem or a sound chunk, has a message for LeBron James, Stephen Curry and the remainder of the Individuals heading into Wednesday’s Olympics exhibition recreation between Group USA and Canada.
The Canadians are coming — once more.
“I take it as (simply) one other recreation, however me being who I’m, I wish to make a press release,” Brooks, the Houston Rockets guard whose Canadian crew received this system’s first-ever medal (a bronze) final September in opposition to the Individuals within the FIBA World Cup, instructed reporters late Monday evening. “So I’ll be able to play. Group Canada might be able to play, and we’re gonna go balls to the wall and watch the movie after and see if we received higher.”
As if this budding worldwide rivalry wasn’t attention-grabbing sufficient already, Brooks’ involvement takes it to a different degree due to his lengthy and sordid historical past with the 2 largest stars on the American squad. Throughout his Memphis Grizzlies days, Brooks’ battles with Curry’s Golden State Warriors had been contentious at each flip. Ditto for his time in opposition to James’ Los Angeles Lakers, each with the Grizzlies and the Rockets, as he has taken the sport’s best participant head-on in a method no different participant can declare.
Free, every day sports activities updates direct to your inbox. Enroll
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To listen to Brooks inform it, his well-chronicled competitiveness might be reaching a brand new excessive due to the involvement of the Individuals’ high two gamers. In spite of everything, nobody can blame him for believing that the Canadians performed a pivotal half within the American roster getting upgraded for this Olympics problem.
Simply sooner or later after the Canadians beat the Individuals within the bronze-medal recreation, when Brooks scored 39 factors and the favored Individuals needed to head residence with out stepping on the medal stand, The Athletic reported that James was not solely able to decide to Group USA however that he was main the recruiting efforts for different A-list abilities. Curry topped the checklist. So, Brooks was requested, is it doable that he’s much more motivated than ever due to the distinctive dynamics in play?
“Yeah, as a result of there’s new USA gamers, , that spoke up after (the bronze-medal recreation), and needed to play,” he mentioned. “So, , I’m completely satisfied that they’re enjoying as a result of, , we get to check our abilities in opposition to theirs. And , it needs to be a enjoyable one.”
Who involves thoughts?
“Effectively at the start, it was Steph and LeBron that got here out and mentioned one thing, after which everybody else began becoming a member of on,” Brooks continued. “I’m completely satisfied that they made the dedication, so let’s see. Expertise in opposition to expertise.
“They’ve gotta guard. They’ve gotta play protection. That’s my primary factor. Each crew that has to play in opposition to us has to protect, has to scout in opposition to us. And we’re simply going to play our recreation and make changes in the course of the recreation.”
Whereas Group USA is actually the Olympic favourite, the Canadians are hardly missing for elite expertise. From Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (who was second in MVP voting final season) to the Denver Nuggets’ Jamal Murray, the Thunder’s Lu Dort on down, Group Canada isn’t solely formidable however foundational. With Brooklyn Nets coach Jordi Fernandez on the helm, they’ve achieved a current degree of roster consistency that usually bodes nicely in worldwide play. And the Individuals, as Brooks made clear, are the most important menace to the crew targets that lie forward.
“The idea was all the time there; we simply needed to put it collectively,” Brooks mentioned. “Now we’ve received plenty of gamers which can be dedicated, prepared to construct this each single summer season to get higher and higher and construct chemistry and construct camaraderie.
“Our time was final yr. And now (it’s) our time for this yr. However as an alternative of getting bronze, we wish the gold.”
Required studying
(Picture: Jam Sta Rosa / AFP through Getty Photos)
LAS VEGAS — Dillon Brooks, by no means one to shrink back from a famous person problem or a sound chunk, has a message for LeBron James, Stephen Curry and the remainder of the Individuals heading into Wednesday’s Olympics exhibition recreation between Group USA and Canada.
The Canadians are coming — once more.
“I take it as (simply) one other recreation, however me being who I’m, I wish to make a press release,” Brooks, the Houston Rockets guard whose Canadian crew received this system’s first-ever medal (a bronze) final September in opposition to the Individuals within the FIBA World Cup, instructed reporters late Monday evening. “So I’ll be able to play. Group Canada might be able to play, and we’re gonna go balls to the wall and watch the movie after and see if we received higher.”
As if this budding worldwide rivalry wasn’t attention-grabbing sufficient already, Brooks’ involvement takes it to a different degree due to his lengthy and sordid historical past with the 2 largest stars on the American squad. Throughout his Memphis Grizzlies days, Brooks’ battles with Curry’s Golden State Warriors had been contentious at each flip. Ditto for his time in opposition to James’ Los Angeles Lakers, each with the Grizzlies and the Rockets, as he has taken the sport’s best participant head-on in a method no different participant can declare.
Free, every day sports activities updates direct to your inbox. Enroll
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To listen to Brooks inform it, his well-chronicled competitiveness might be reaching a brand new excessive due to the involvement of the Individuals’ high two gamers. In spite of everything, nobody can blame him for believing that the Canadians performed a pivotal half within the American roster getting upgraded for this Olympics problem.
Simply sooner or later after the Canadians beat the Individuals within the bronze-medal recreation, when Brooks scored 39 factors and the favored Individuals needed to head residence with out stepping on the medal stand, The Athletic reported that James was not solely able to decide to Group USA however that he was main the recruiting efforts for different A-list abilities. Curry topped the checklist. So, Brooks was requested, is it doable that he’s much more motivated than ever due to the distinctive dynamics in play?
“Yeah, as a result of there’s new USA gamers, , that spoke up after (the bronze-medal recreation), and needed to play,” he mentioned. “So, , I’m completely satisfied that they’re enjoying as a result of, , we get to check our abilities in opposition to theirs. And , it needs to be a enjoyable one.”
Who involves thoughts?
“Effectively at the start, it was Steph and LeBron that got here out and mentioned one thing, after which everybody else began becoming a member of on,” Brooks continued. “I’m completely satisfied that they made the dedication, so let’s see. Expertise in opposition to expertise.
“They’ve gotta guard. They’ve gotta play protection. That’s my primary factor. Each crew that has to play in opposition to us has to protect, has to scout in opposition to us. And we’re simply going to play our recreation and make changes in the course of the recreation.”
Whereas Group USA is actually the Olympic favourite, the Canadians are hardly missing for elite expertise. From Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (who was second in MVP voting final season) to the Denver Nuggets’ Jamal Murray, the Thunder’s Lu Dort on down, Group Canada isn’t solely formidable however foundational. With Brooklyn Nets coach Jordi Fernandez on the helm, they’ve achieved a current degree of roster consistency that usually bodes nicely in worldwide play. And the Individuals, as Brooks made clear, are the most important menace to the crew targets that lie forward.
“The idea was all the time there; we simply needed to put it collectively,” Brooks mentioned. “Now we’ve received plenty of gamers which can be dedicated, prepared to construct this each single summer season to get higher and higher and construct chemistry and construct camaraderie.
“Our time was final yr. And now (it’s) our time for this yr. However as an alternative of getting bronze, we wish the gold.”
Required studying
(Picture: Jam Sta Rosa / AFP through Getty Photos)
LAS VEGAS — Dillon Brooks, by no means one to shrink back from a famous person problem or a sound chunk, has a message for LeBron James, Stephen Curry and the remainder of the Individuals heading into Wednesday’s Olympics exhibition recreation between Group USA and Canada.
The Canadians are coming — once more.
“I take it as (simply) one other recreation, however me being who I’m, I wish to make a press release,” Brooks, the Houston Rockets guard whose Canadian crew received this system’s first-ever medal (a bronze) final September in opposition to the Individuals within the FIBA World Cup, instructed reporters late Monday evening. “So I’ll be able to play. Group Canada might be able to play, and we’re gonna go balls to the wall and watch the movie after and see if we received higher.”
As if this budding worldwide rivalry wasn’t attention-grabbing sufficient already, Brooks’ involvement takes it to a different degree due to his lengthy and sordid historical past with the 2 largest stars on the American squad. Throughout his Memphis Grizzlies days, Brooks’ battles with Curry’s Golden State Warriors had been contentious at each flip. Ditto for his time in opposition to James’ Los Angeles Lakers, each with the Grizzlies and the Rockets, as he has taken the sport’s best participant head-on in a method no different participant can declare.
Free, every day sports activities updates direct to your inbox. Enroll
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To listen to Brooks inform it, his well-chronicled competitiveness might be reaching a brand new excessive due to the involvement of the Individuals’ high two gamers. In spite of everything, nobody can blame him for believing that the Canadians performed a pivotal half within the American roster getting upgraded for this Olympics problem.
Simply sooner or later after the Canadians beat the Individuals within the bronze-medal recreation, when Brooks scored 39 factors and the favored Individuals needed to head residence with out stepping on the medal stand, The Athletic reported that James was not solely able to decide to Group USA however that he was main the recruiting efforts for different A-list abilities. Curry topped the checklist. So, Brooks was requested, is it doable that he’s much more motivated than ever due to the distinctive dynamics in play?
“Yeah, as a result of there’s new USA gamers, , that spoke up after (the bronze-medal recreation), and needed to play,” he mentioned. “So, , I’m completely satisfied that they’re enjoying as a result of, , we get to check our abilities in opposition to theirs. And , it needs to be a enjoyable one.”
Who involves thoughts?
“Effectively at the start, it was Steph and LeBron that got here out and mentioned one thing, after which everybody else began becoming a member of on,” Brooks continued. “I’m completely satisfied that they made the dedication, so let’s see. Expertise in opposition to expertise.
“They’ve gotta guard. They’ve gotta play protection. That’s my primary factor. Each crew that has to play in opposition to us has to protect, has to scout in opposition to us. And we’re simply going to play our recreation and make changes in the course of the recreation.”
Whereas Group USA is actually the Olympic favourite, the Canadians are hardly missing for elite expertise. From Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (who was second in MVP voting final season) to the Denver Nuggets’ Jamal Murray, the Thunder’s Lu Dort on down, Group Canada isn’t solely formidable however foundational. With Brooklyn Nets coach Jordi Fernandez on the helm, they’ve achieved a current degree of roster consistency that usually bodes nicely in worldwide play. And the Individuals, as Brooks made clear, are the most important menace to the crew targets that lie forward.
“The idea was all the time there; we simply needed to put it collectively,” Brooks mentioned. “Now we’ve received plenty of gamers which can be dedicated, prepared to construct this each single summer season to get higher and higher and construct chemistry and construct camaraderie.
“Our time was final yr. And now (it’s) our time for this yr. However as an alternative of getting bronze, we wish the gold.”
Required studying
(Picture: Jam Sta Rosa / AFP through Getty Photos)