Nash hopeful despite NBA stars’ absence

STEVE Nash, the former two-time NBA MVP who is now the general manager of the Canadian national five, believes that his country still has a solid shot at returning to the Olympics even with its top player not playing in the qualifying tournament in Manila next month.

Andrew Wiggins, named as this season’s NBA Rookie of the Year, has opted to not play in the July 5 to 10 tournament to focus on preparing himself for next season for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Wiggins is not the only NBA vet who will not be suiting up for Canada, as Tristan Thompson, the power forward who is playing for Cleveland in the Finals against defending champion Golden State, has also begged off along with several others.

But that doesn’t mean that Nash thinks the Canadians don’t stand a chance.

“Given the time of year, player availability is always changing,” Nash said. “[But] we’re continuing to talk to [NBA] teams and players may become available as summer progresses.”

Nash, who was part of the 2000 team that last played in the Olympics, believes that Canada still has the materials to top the Manila Qualifying and book a berth in the Olympics.