CLEVELAND (NBA/2015 FIBA Americas Championship) - There are so many good Canadian basketball players in the NBA these days that on a nightly basis, it's not unusual to see them trading blows in important games.

In the opening round of the Eastern Conference playoffs and the battle between Cleveland and Boston, the Cavaliers have Tristan Thompson while the Celtics boast Kelly Olynyk.

The two huge talents are going up against each other for rebounds and contesting each other's shots, but at the FIBA Americas Championship in Monterrey, Mexico (25 August - September 6), the two will be Canada teammates.

Coach Jay Triano is sure to have a major selection headache when he tries to finalize his squad because of the number of players at Canada's disposal, but Thompson and Olynyk would appear to be good bets to make it.

Both have told FIBA.com they want to be there.

"It means a lot to play for your country," Olynyk said.

"It makes me proud to do so.

"It will be a great opportunity for us and hopefully we can come together and have a great tournament."

Thompson is upbeat about Canada's chances.

He got a taste of the senior team for the first time in 2013 when he averaged 11.6 points and 10 rebounds per game in Venezuela.

Thompson also played well on defense.

"We have the potential to do something big," Thompson said.

"It gives us the possibility of qualifying for the 2016 Olympics."

Canada will play in Group B against Argentina, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Cuba while Group A consists of Brazil, Mexico, Panama, Uruguay and the Dominican Republic.

The two teams that reach the Final in Monterrey will qualify for the Rio de Janeiro Games.

"We need to go there and fight for a spot for Rio, that is our main goal," Thompson said.

"I am sure that our team will be very talented and we will do our best."

Canada last played at an Olympics in 2000, and their most recent appearance at a FIBA Basketball World Cup was 2010, when Olynyk was in the squad.

He also played at the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship. 

Olynyk and Thompson are getting to have special experiences in the NBA very early in their careers.

The former is with one of the most successful franchises in the history of the league, Boston.

You feel the weight of [Celtics] history every time you come to the practice center, to the arena or even in the city - Olynyk

"It's an amazing experience to be a part of this legendary franchise," Olynyk said.

"I am enjoying every minute of it."

As for Thompson, he is with a team that has one of the greatest players of all time, USA's double-Olympic champion LeBron James.

"He is an idol here, and everybody loves him," Thompson said.

"It is great to be the teammate of the best player in the league.

"He helps us grow and improve every week. He is a complete player, a leader and a great teammate."

Cleveland are not just about James, though.

Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and Thompson himself are also stars.

"We have a very solid group of guys and we get along very well," Thompson said.

"We have guys coming from all over the world and this is a great group.

"We are very united, we work hard together and we want to achieve something huge together."

Thompson and Olynyk are passionate about being representatives of Canada in the NBA.

There weren't that many that long ago.

Steve Nash, a two-time league MVP and Canada international, blazed a trail for all of his compatriots to the NBA.

Thompson and Olynyk drew inspiration from Nash, who is the general manager of the Canada men's team.

When Nash announced his retirement several weeks ago, it brought back a lot of memories.

Olynyk is now in his second NBA season and Thompson is in his fourth.

"I like knowing there are many players from Canada in the NBA and we're trying our best to be flag-bearers of our country in the best league in the world," Olynyk said.

We need to go step by step but everybody dreams about bringing the title to Cleveland - Thompson

"My career here has been going well so far and I hope the same for all the Canadian players in the NBA," Thompson said.

"I try to give advice to the youngest ones and help them as I have been playing in the NBA for four seasons now."

Right now, each is focused on the NBA playoffs.

In the Cavs' 113-100 Game 1 victory, Thompson impressed in his first-ever postseason game with 12 points and six rebounds.

Early in the contest, no one was better than Olynyk.

Olynyk ended up contributing 12 points and a couple of blocks to the Boston's cause.

"We want to do everything to bring back the team to the top of the NBA as soon as possible," Olynyk said.

Boston will attempt to even the series in Cleveland on Tuesday night.

After the postseason, both players will turn their attention to Canada.

Mexico 2015 is going to be an excited time for them and all of the fans north of the border.

FIBA