As Team Canada continues their run at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, basketball star Jamal Murray finds himself among NBA players who have gotten less play time for their respective countries. He has now opened up about why his minutes for the team have fallen short of fans’ expectations.
After the Canada Men’s team secured their second win at the Olympics against Australia on Tuesday, Murray explained that his limited minutes were partly due to being away from the team.
Obviously, I was away from the team for a while so I’m not starting, but I think we got a great starting unit. So, the guys can win, everyone has a role.
Jamal Murray told
Furthermore, he noted that fellow NBA star Jayson Tatum did not get enough playing time for Team USA too. Murray opined that less play time is hardly a concern to him as the team is more important, considering many big-name stars were also sidelined at the Olympics.
You saw Jayson Tatum didn’t play a single minute. Tyrese Haliburton didn’t play. I think a lot of guys on other teams are starting for their respective NBA teams. So, it’s not an ego thing over here. We’re just trying to get the win.
Jamal Murray added
Lots of questions and talk about whether Jamal Murray is 100% and why he isn’t playing more for Canada in the first two games.
I asked him about that after yesterday’s win, and loved his answer. pic.twitter.com/lEq5fkOdmo
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 31, 2024
Jamal Murray also debunked rumors that he wasn’t 100% ready to represent his country in Paris. According to the 27-year-old, he is completely fine, and the Canadian team always comes first before anyone.
Canada breaks historic jinx at Paris Olympics
The 2024 Olympics in Paris saw the Canadian Men’s basketball team and Jamal Murray break an unwanted record in their history. Canada have never been to the Olympic Games in 24 years.
However, they started an impressive run in this year’s edition with back-to-back wins against Greece and Australia. It marks the first time Team Canada records a win in the Olympics since their last appearance on the world stage at Sydney 2000.
The particular victory back then came against the former Yugoslavia. Coincidentally, that tournament was hosted by Australia who were the second side this year to taste defeat at the hands of the Canadians.
Incase you missed it:
