Monday night, ESPN’s Jason Whitlock told colleague Keith Olbermann on the latter’s eponymous chat show that “Canadian athletes, I think, among NBA players and NBA people, perhaps don’t want it as much as even some of the Europeans, and certainly the American players.” Though Whitlock was speculating about the Cavs’ no. 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins, a pair of Canadians took rightful offense, including the country’s most decorated player. From the Canadian Press’ Dhiren Mahiban :
“It’s a wonderful sweeping generalization, really good. Hit it on the head there,” two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash said.“I had to prove that I was athletic enough to play in the NBA,” said the Los Angeles Lakers point guard. “His (Wiggins’) athleticism isn’t a question, they’re worrying about his motivation and desire.
“Steve’s pretty tough to play and be able to do what he’s doing,” Triano said. “I think Tristan (Thompson) is a tough player. Robert Sacre is a tough player. Maybe we’ll go on this trip and drop the gloves a little bit and create that hockey mentality then we’ll define ourselves a little bit better.”