Bradley Beal to miss Tokyo Olympics

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Washington Wizards’ superstar Bradley Beal will no longer compete with the USA men’s basketball team after entering the COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

USA Basketball confirmed the sudden news and did not disclose the specific reason as to why he entered the health and safety facility.

Beal was the projected starting shooting guard of Team USA heading into the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and had a solid night against Argentina after contributing 17 huge points.

With Beal now dropped out of the roster, the USA men’s coaching staff is currently looking for his replacement.

Reports circulated that head coach Gregg Popovich will be choosing from his practice players’ pool that includes Darius Garland of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Keldon Johnson of the San Antonio Spurs, and Saddiq Bey of the Detroit Pistons.

Meanwhile, another member of the USA roster, forward Jerami Grant, also joined Beal in the health and safety facility.

Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic broke the news. The USA squad is still uncertain if Grant can re-join the team in Tokyo.