
Gilgeous-Alexander’s NBA crown could spark Canada basketball’s next boom
Like many Canadians, Michael Bartlett watched Game 7 of the NBA Finals with bated breath. But as Canada Basketball’s president and CEO, he had a unique rooting interest, with players on both teams.
Hamilton’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Montreal’s Luguentz Dort helped the Oklahoma City Thunder capture their first-ever championship, defeating Andrew Nembhard of Aurora, Ont., and Montreal’s Bennedict Mathurin of the Indiana Pacers. Bartlett said he was thrilled for all four Canadians, no matter who came out on top.
“Oh, it was uncontrollable at times,” said Bartlett in a phone interview on Monday morning. “I looked up, it was 4:50 left on the clock in Game 7 last night, and four Canadians are on the court playing meaningful minutes in crunch time with the ball in their hands. Gosh, that’s exciting.
“There’s nothing better than seeing people you care about, truly care about, and they care about you, shine when they have the opportunity to shine.”