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Canada Basketball: Why did Andrew Wiggins decline invitation?

By Paul Taylor

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 29: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts after their 105-100 loss to the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on January 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 29: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts after their 105-100 loss to the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on January 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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The most notable absence from Canada Basketball’s latest training camp roster was Andrew Wiggins, but why is he unavailable?

Canada Basketball announced their 18 training camp invitees on Monday, for the senior men’s national team. Qualification for the FIBA World Cup starts next month.

As noted by several media analysts including TSN’s Josh Lewenberg, this is arguably the best roster ever assembled in the history of the program. This makes sense, when considering players such as Kelly Olynyk, Jamal Murray, Cory Joseph and Tristan Thompson.

And yet, fair or not, the announcement of the preliminary roster was notable for who wasn’t included. More specifically, Toronto’s own Andrew Wiggins.

The official reason for Wiggins’ absence was explained as simply a case of him being unavailable in June. However, with no mention of any injuries, you imagine there has to be more to this story

And there is, at least according to Lewenberg. As reported by TSN, he wrote:

"“According to multiple sources, one factor in Wiggins’ decision to decline Canada Basketball’s most recent invitation is his strained relationship with head coach Jay Triano, stemming from his previous and only experience playing with the senior men’s team in 2015.”"

As reported by Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune, Triano claims he has long been a fan of Wiggins, who used to play alongside his son in the Ontario inter-providence league. However, as per Bryan Kalbrosky of USA Today Sports, the 2014 first overall draft pick has no recollection of the games the Canada Basketball head coach was referring to.

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Regardless of who said what, or no matter what is claimed, it is just a shame Wiggins will not be participating in the qualifiers next month. However, Triano is ready to roll with what he’s got, as per Lewenberg: “My goal is to focus on players that are here. Guys are going to miss for different reasons.”

For what it’s worth, there is some hope regarding the 23-year-old. It’s possible he may join Canada Basketball for their qualifiers in fall, so it will be interesting to keep an eye on this nearer the time.

This latest news completes what has been an eventful season for Wiggins, who saw a dip in his overall production for the Timberwolves. In addition, there has been speculation of late that he could potentially be traded.

As for Canada Basketball, training camp begins on June 20, in Richmond, B.C. Their first qualifier will take place on June 29, against the Dominican Republic.

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How confident are you in the roster put together for the FIBA World Cup qualifiers? Do you believe Canada Basketball will miss Wiggins, or is the team strong enough to compete at a high level? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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