Andrew Wiggins reportedly commits to Team Canada for World Cup

Mon, Jun 17, 2019, 8:36 p.m.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 30: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the game on March 30, 2019 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) — Andrew Wiggins is finally ready to play for his home country this summer. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Call it the Nick Nurse Effect?

Minnesota Timberwolves star and former first-overall pick Andrew Wiggins has reportedly committed to playing for Canada at the 2019 FIBA World Cup this summer, according to Sportsnet’s Arash Madani.

This news comes very quickly after Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse confirmed he would be coaching the team this summer, making it two major shots in the arm for Canada’s shot at qualifying for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

The 24-year-old Toronto native joins arguably the strongest core of players Canada has ever sent to an international tournament, with NBA talents like Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray, Los Angeles Clippers guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Indiana Pacers guard Cory Joseph, Miami Heat forward Kelly Olynyk, and one of the top prospects in the coming NBA draft, R.J. Barrett.

Wiggins averaged 18.1 points over 73 games with the Timberwolves this past season, the second-highest average in the league among Canadians (Murray scored 18.2).

The World Cup takes place in China from August 31 to September 15.

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