Wiggins, Canadians concerned about 'slippery' floor ads at FIBA Americas
The Canadian team competing at the FIBA Americas in Mexico City isn't happy with one of the unique features of international basketball.
European pro leagues and tournaments place temporary advertising decals on the hardwood. The Canadians raised concern about the ads following their 112-92 win over Puerto Rico on Friday, during which several players slipped on two decals that had been placed over the top of both keys.
"It's something that is, I think, dangerous," Canada coach Jay Triano told reporters after the game. "I hope and pray that all the players on all the teams don't have somebody slip on that."
At one point in the second quarter, NBA Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins slipped on one of the stickers while passing the ball. Afterwards, he admitted it is a footing hazard.
"You can kinda tell, it's not the regular gym floor," Wiggins said. "Just have to be careful out there."
Wiggins on Coors Light slgn: "It's a little slippery." Worried? "If I fall, I fall."
— Eric Koreen (@ekoreen) September 5, 2015
Triano said it's something that needs to be looked at.
"It's something that I hope becomes a topic of concern and that people address it, see if we can do something about it," he said.
Safety is a paramount concern of both NBA teams and players as they represent their respective countries in the summer. Indiana Pacers forward Paul George missed most of last season after suffering a compound fracture during a USA Basketball scrimmage in August 2014. Kevin Durant later admitted the injury convinced him to withdraw from last year's World Cup team.
With Friday's win, Canada finished second in the round-robin in Group B behind Argentina, and will play Panama on Sunday in Round 2.