Yes, of course I think they acknowledge that, and it's the reason why we have seen full NBA participation at past Olympic qualification tournaments (FIBA AmeriCup). I don't think the prospect of qualification is lost on any of them. Keep in mind, all of our best players are trying out for the team. The only absences are justified thus far. Wiggins NBA career has gotten off to a lackluster start, and I'm sure he wants to spend September focusing on the upcoming season. For Thompson, he had an injury-plagued season this year, and likely wants to focus on rehab so that he is in peak shape come the start of the NBA season. I do understand and appreciate their decisions.
Also keep in mind that Canada has gone out and gotten this year's NBA Champion head coach to lead the team - I wholeheartedly believe that Basketball Canada is taking the Olympic ramifications of this event very seriously.