Canada’s AmeriCup momentum, EuroCup first-round spectacle, and a flourish of global basketball chatter collide with NBA angles. Three-point usage and possessions get debated through vintage stat talk, while the Raptors’ era and Canadian basketball development surface in conversation. Luka Doncic anchors the NBA thread as Dallas contends with trade chatter and ceiling questions; Sandro Mamukelashvili and Leonard Miller flash upside as potential fantasy catalysts. The piece threads in Dave Smart’s Canada Basketball arc and a run toward upcoming seasons with beverage chatter and a long, lazy summer outlook.

Canada Basketball’s AmeriCup camp at the Raptors OVO Training Centre marks a deliberate, long‑term rebuild toward the 2027 FIBA World Cup and 2028 Olympics. Kyshawn George, Montreal‑raised and a Washington rookie, is chasing a broader role with Canada by showing commitment and readiness rather than demanding a spot. The camp blends rising NBA players with seasoned Canada veterans, signaling depth is as important as top talent for the long qualification path.

Leonard Miller, Nate Darling, and Mfiondu Kabengele are among the youngest NBA names in camp, joined by veterans such as Trae Bell‑Haynes, Kyle Wiltjer, and Thomas Kennedy. Rowan Barrett and the staff are balancing immediate help for November windows with building a pipeline that can grow through 2026 and beyond, even as leadership reshapes the coaching staff with Jama Mahlalela, Scott Morrison, and Nathaniel Mitchell taking a larger role while Gordie Herbert guides through a later return.

The overarching plan hinges on sustained development, coaching growth, and the ability to leverage a deep pool to sustain Canadian contention in 2027 and 2028, ensuring the nation stays competitive across multiple global events.

Leonard Miller is eager to make a name for himself as he enters his third season with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite limited playing time in his first two seasons, his impressive performance in the G-League and during the 2025 NBA Summer League has showcased his potential. At 6'10”, he can play both small forward and power forward, which adds valuable versatility to the Timberwolves roster.

Miller has emphasized his improved defensive skills, stating that he's become adept at guarding various types of players. This defensive prowess, coupled with his offensive upswing, has increased his chances of securing a regular spot in the Timberwolves' lineup. With the right opportunities, he could become a key contributor alongside stars like Anthony Edwards.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are gearing up for the NBA 2K26 Summer League, showcasing a roster brimming with young talent eager to demonstrate their worth. Among the notable players returning from last season’s squad are Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon Jr., Jaylen Clark, and Leonard Miller. Each seeks to solidify their roles in the upcoming season while competing against 10 other hopefuls in Las Vegas.

Rookie center Joan Beringer, the team's first-round draft pick, has caught the attention of his peers, particularly Dillingham, who praised Beringer’s skills during practice. Beringer, hailing from Cedevita Olimpija in the Slovenia League, possesses impressive metrics including a 7-foot-3 wingspan. Though still raw, there are high hopes he could eventually fill the shoes of veteran Rudy Gobert.

The Minnesota Timberwolves recently recalled forward Leonard Miller from their G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves, after he scored an impressive 29 points in a victory over the Stockton Kings. Despite limited playing time with the Timberwolves this season, Miller has been a standout in the G League, averaging 24.7 points and 12.0 rebounds over 17 games. His consistent performance, including a remarkable 44-minute effort in his last G League game, showcases his potential. The Timberwolves face the Portland Trail Blazers next, with key players Anthony Edwards and Mike Conley listed as questionable.