Report: Cory Joseph expected to join Canada ahead of World Cup

Sacramento Kings point guard Cory Joseph is expected to join Team Canada at some point ahead of the FIBA World Cup in China, sources told the Toronto Star's Doug Smith.

The Canadian team is currently in Australia preparing for the tournament, which tips off Aug. 31.

Canada has seen an exodus of its fledgling NBA talent from the national program this summer, with the likes of Jamal Murray, Andrew Wiggins, Tristan Thompson, and Dwight Powell all passing on playing for their country. Canada Basketball had asked its players for a six-week commitment for the World Cup.

Meanwhile, both RJ Barrett and Kelly Olynyk removed their names from consideration due to injury, with Olynyk originally suiting up before hurting his knee in an exhibition against Nigeria last week. Orlando Magic center Khem Birch is currently the only NBA player with Team Canada.

Canada needs to finish as a top-two team from the Americas at the World Cup in order to qualify for the 2020 Olympics, which would be the country's first appearance since 2000.