Canada National Basketball Team Roster 2019: Complete Player Breakdown and Analysis

I still remember watching that 2019 FIBA World Cup roster announcement with mixed feelings—part excitement about Canada's potential, part frustration about the players who ultimately chose not to participate. The Canadian basketball landscape has always been this fascinating paradox: we produce NBA talent at an incredible rate, yet getting our best players to commit to the national team feels like herding cats. This year's situation reminded me somewhat of Chery Tiggo's journey—having to take the long way round after failing to secure an outright preseason playoff spot. Both scenarios speak to the challenge of assembling optimal rosters when circumstances work against you.

When I first scanned the final 12-man roster for the 2019 World Cup, what struck me was both the quality present and the glaring absences. We had seven NBA players suiting up, which sounds impressive until you realize we could have fielded an entire starting five of All-Stars if everyone had committed. Cory Joseph brought veteran leadership at point guard, having just completed his eighth NBA season. His 6.3 assists per game with the Pacers that previous season would be crucial for organizing our offense. Then there was Khem Birch—I've always been a big fan of his energy and defensive presence. The man averaged nearly 4.5 rebounds in just under 20 minutes per game with the Magic, and his shot-blocking ability would anchor our defense.

The wing positions featured some fascinating talent. Melvin Ejim, who I've followed since his college days at Iowa State, brought that EuroLeague experience that's so valuable in international play. His versatility allowed him to guard multiple positions—something essential in FIBA basketball where matchups can get tricky. But the real excitement for me was seeing the younger players like Luguentz Dort, even though he was just beginning to find his footing in the NBA. His defensive intensity was already noticeable, and I believed he'd develop into a cornerstone for future Canadian teams.

Our frontcourt had some interesting pieces beyond Birch. Kelly Olynyk provided that stretch-big dimension that's so valuable in modern basketball. His three-point shooting at around 36% from deep forced opposing big men away from the basket, creating driving lanes for our guards. Then there was Brandon Clarke—what a revelation he'd been during his rookie season with Memphis. His efficiency numbers were ridiculous: shooting over 60% from the field while providing explosive athleticism in transition. I remember thinking he might be our X-factor in certain matchups.

The tournament preparation reminded me of that Chery Tiggo reference—nothing came easy. We had to navigate injuries, last-minute withdrawals, and limited practice time together. Building chemistry with so many new faces presented challenges similar to what Chery Tiggo faced when they couldn't secure that straightforward playoff path. Both situations required adapting on the fly and making the most of available resources rather than ideal circumstances.

Looking at our group stage opponents—Australia, Lithuania, and Senegal—I knew we faced an uphill battle. Australia particularly worried me with their veteran core and continuity. Our backcourt depth would be tested against their physical guards. The Lithuania game would come down to whether we could handle their size and disciplined system. I believed we matched up better against Senegal, but in international play, there are no easy games.

What fascinated me about this roster was how it reflected Canada's basketball identity—talented but not quite cohesive, promising but not yet polished. We had the athleticism to run with anyone, but FIBA basketball often rewards execution over raw talent. The half-court offense would need to be more precise than what many of our NBA players were used to. Defensive communication would be crucial with limited practice time.

The tournament itself became a learning experience—sometimes painful, occasionally promising. We showed flashes of what could be when our talent clicked, but consistency eluded us. The close games we lost highlighted both our potential and our shortcomings. Watching our young players adapt to the international game gave me hope for future tournaments, even as the immediate results disappointed.

Reflecting on that 2019 team now, I see it as a transitional group—bridging eras of Canadian basketball. The players who did commit gained invaluable experience that would benefit our program moving forward. The absences of certain stars opened opportunities for others to develop in bigger roles. Much like Chery Tiggo's circuitous path ultimately building character and resilience, this Canadian team's journey through the World Cup, while not yielding the results we hoped for, contributed to the continued growth of basketball in our country. The foundation laid in 2019 would influence roster decisions and player commitments in the years that followed, slowly moving us toward fielding the teams our talent pool deserves.