Cavs' Thompson latest NBAer to forgo Canada's World Cup team

Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson will not play for his native Canada in this summer's FIBA World Cup, his agent, Rich Paul, told The Athletic's Shams Charania.

Thompson has been a mainstay with the Canadian senior men's team since 2012 and played in a World Cup qualifier against Brazil last summer. He was invited to Team Canada's August training camp this week - unlike Minnesota Timberwolves swingman Andrew Wiggins, who also passed on playing.

The 28-year-old's absence will open the door for some other Canadian big men at training camp, including Dwight Powell, Brandon Clarke, and Khem Birch.

Thompson missed 39 games this past season due to a foot injury. He's averaged 9.2 points and 8.6 rebounds in 562 career NBA contests.