Dec 26, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and guard Luguentz Dort (5) celebrate after scoring against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

OKC Thunder Duo, Team Canada See Tough Draw in Group Play for 2024 Olympics

Originally posted on Oklahoma City Thunder on SI
By Rylan Stiles | Last updated 7/9/24

Typically, the Summer is a slow time for basketball news - while the NBA enjoys the shortest offseason of them all, August and the tail end of July can come to a screeching halt. Sure, the Summer League offers a few drops of water to soak up, but the excitement around watching the latest shooting guard who was playing in college since the Polk Administration with no NBA future chuck up shots whines quickly.

In 2024 though, basketball truly never sleeps. Smacked in the middle of the offseason is the 2024 Olympic games which will stretch from now until Aug. 10 - a way to carry hoop heads through the summer until the NBA returns in Oct.

Between the Summer League, Olympics and the WNBA basketball is officially a year-round sport. Over the weekend, the Group stage has been solidified for the Men's Olympic stage, and Team Canada has the toughest draw.

This is of great interest to the Oklahoma City Thunder who see superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and defensive ace Lu Dort suiting up for their home country of Canada. Players far and wide have all shared the same sentiment about playing in the Olympics: It makes you better. This will be a massive test for the Thunder duo.

Brazil, Greece and Spain all qualified for the Olympics. The winner of Puerto Rico and Lithuania will qualify later today.

Olympics Groups

Group A
Australia
Canada
Greece
Spain

Group B
Brazil
France
Germany
Japan

Group C
United States
Serbia
South Sudan
Puerto Rico/Lithuania
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 7, 2024

Team Canada will face off with Team Australia, Greece and Spain in Group Play which is rightfully being labeled the group of death, as it will be a battle of attrition. This includes a matchup with one of the best players in the world Giannis Antetokounmpo and an interesting battle against Josh Giddey for the OKC Thunder stars.