Skip to content

Knicks' Barrett commits to play for Canada in Olympic qualifier

Mitchell Leff / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Count RJ Barrett in.

The New York Knicks rookie joined fellow NBAers Jamal Murray, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker in committing Wednesday to play for his native Canada at next summer's last-chance Olympic qualifying tournament.

"I definitely plan on playing," Barrett said, according to TSN's Josh Lewenberg. "I'm very proud to say that."

Barrett and most of Canada's NBA players passed on suiting up in last summer's FIBA World Cup in China. The nation can still clinch an Olympic berth by winning its qualification tournament at home in Victoria, British Columbia in June.

Seeding for the draws was conducted on Wednesday, and Canada must top a pool featuring Greece, Turkey, and the Czech Republic.

Barrett's father Rowan is the general manager of the Canadian senior men's team, and his godfather is Hall of Famer Steve Nash.

The 19-year-old plays his hometown Raptors in Toronto on Wednesday. He's averaging 15.1 points through his first 16 NBA games.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox