Andrew Wiggins will skip Team Canada Olympic qualifier

The Wolves forward said in a statement that his total focus had to be on helping Minnesota.

June 10, 2016 at 10:04PM
Minnesota Timberwolves' Andrew Wiggins (22) during an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors' Shaun Livingston Tuesday, April 5, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Minnesota Timberwolves' Andrew Wiggins (22) during an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors' Shaun Livingston Tuesday, April 5, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Wolves forward Andrew Wiggins on Friday became the latest NBA player to bow out of Olympic competition, although in his case it's an Olympic qualifying tournament with his native Team Canada.

Wiggins issued a statement through his agency, BDA, saying:

"After much thought, consideration and speaking with my family, I will not be participating in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament with the Canadian Men's National Team in July. As my third NBA season approaches, I understand my increased role with the Timberwolves and dedication to the upcoming season must have my total focus. We are building a championship contending team, which has always been my goal. This was definitely not an easy decision and I fully support and wish Team Canada nothing but success this summer."

Whether Wiggins would receive a welcome back from Canada if it gets past the qualifier is unknown - or whether Wiggins would want to return - is unknown.

Steph Curry of Golden State and LaMarcus Aldridge of San Antonio had previously announced they would forego this summer's Olympics.

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Dennis Brackin

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