TORONTO -- Steve Nash had a good chuckle at ESPN personality Jason Whitlocks suggestion that Canadians in the NBA are not as motivated to succeed as their American counterparts.
Michael Brantley Jersey . "Andrew Wiggins is from Canada," Whitlock said on Keith Olbermanns ESPN show Monday night. "And Canadian athletes, I think, among NBA players and NBA people, perhaps dont want it as much as even some of the Europeans, and certainly the American players." Nash, a two-time NBA MVP and the general manager of Canadas senior mens squad, was in town for a three-day camp before the team departed for a European exhibition series. He responded to Whitlocks comments after the teams final practice. "Its a wonderful sweeping generalization, really good. Hit it on the head there," Nash said. The 40-year-old, who broke into the league during the 1996-97 season with the Phoenix Suns, admitted he had to overcome knocks in his game as a young player making a name for himself. He said Wiggins will have to learn to silence his critics too. "I had to prove that I was athletic enough to play in the NBA," said the Los Angeles Lakers point guard. "His athleticism isnt a question, theyre worrying about his motivation and desire. "Hell overcome it. Hell take that criticism, like he always has over the last four or five years, and overcome it. Theres times where wed always like to see him show a little more alpha male, but when the games on the line, I never see him turn away slights as motivation and hell overcome it." When asked about the perception in the NBA that Canadian players are not tough enough or eager enough, Canada head coach Jay Triano had a differing opinion. "Steves pretty tough to play and be able to do what hes doing," Triano said. "I think Tristan (Thompson) is a tough player. Robert Sacre is a tough player. Maybe well go on this trip and drop the gloves a little bit and create that hockey mentality then well define ourselves a little bit better." Triano added that the upcoming 11-game, 20-day European road trip will play a big part in defining his teams toughness. "Were going to be playing against men who are representing their country and getting ready to play in the (World Cup) on their soil," said Triano. "This isnt going to be easy. Well find out a little bit about our toughness while were on this trip and I think its something that will evolve as these players get more experience." On Tuesday, Canada Basketball announced its 15-man roster for the exhibition trip, which includes Cory Joseph (San Antonio), Andrew Nicholson (Orlando), Kelly Olynyk (Boston) and Robert Sacre (Lakers). Noticeably absent from the roster are the likes of Wiggins and Anthony Bennett (Cleveland) and Tyler Ennis (Phoenix). Both Ennis and Bennett have been around the three-day training camp, but did not participate. "Maybe next summer when the Olympics are on the line, we can get everybody together, but were talking about so many dynamics: the schedule, bodies, what their (NBA) clubs want, what their teams feel is best for them at this time in their career," said Nash. "Even the guys that arent on the trip, AB (Bennett), Tyler came by today, Tristan last night. Guys want to be a part of it. "I think were going to have a great turnout next summer when it really matters and weve got enough guys here this summer for it to make a difference." The team departed for its four-city road trip on Tuesday. Canada opens Thursday against Slovenia and will also play in Croatia, Italy and Spain before returning home Aug. 13. Canada will play games against World Cup host Spain and qualifiers Slovenia, Ukraine, Croatia (twice), Serbia, Turkey and Angola. They will also play exhibition games with non-qualifiers Georgia, Italy and Bosnia.
Trevor Bauer Jersey . Spezza scored a power-play goal with 5 minutes left and Stephane Da Costa had the other two goals to lead the Ottawa Senators to a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night.
Larry Doby Jersey . 1. AMIR JOHNSON: Nice to see him back in the lineup Tuesday night in Washington DC. Played with great energy and purpose. Its amazing when a guy gets those few precious days to recover what it does to the bounce in their step and overall game/confidence.The San Francisco 49ers are staying in house with their offensive coordinator hire. According to a report from the NFL Network, the 49ers are expected to name Geep Chryst, the team’s quarterback coach under Jim Harbaugh the past three years, offensive coordinator. New head coach Jim Tonsula annd the 49ers had reportedly missed on three candidates for the job – Lane Kiffin, Rob Chudzinski, and Bob Bicknell – before settling on Chryst.
Danny Salazar Jersey. . Chryst has offensive coordinator experience but hasn’t called plays since the 1999-2000 season with the San Diego Chargers.
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