Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Steve Nash said he will introduce more Canadian players to the NBA and bring the Canadian men's basketball team back to the Olympics at a news conference in Guangzhou as part of his tour of China this week.

The 38-year-old took up his new role as general manager of the men's national team of Canada basketball in May in a bid to upgrade the team's international performance.

The Canadians' last appearance at a summer Olympics was in 2000, when Nash led the team to seventh place in Sydney.

"As the general manager of the Canadian national team, I will use my experience and resources to get more kids into the sport and help the young players get chances to play in the NBA and become national players," Nash said. "Canada didn't get a chance in London, but I hope we will make the Rio de Janeiro after four years."

Nash said he's impressed with China's team.

"China has a talented team, size and shooters, and it won't be surprising if China can create a miracle (at the London Olympics)," he said.

Nash also visited Peiyuan Middle School in Quanzhou, Fujian province to teach basketball skills to students, and he played street basketball with local players in Guangzhou during the tour.

tangzhe@chinadaily.com.cn