Team USA has not gotten off on a good note thus far and they are supposed to be the dominant presence in international basketball with all their NBA talent.
However, they are struggling.
Their first two exhibition games were against Nigeria and Australia; both of which were losses.
Now more bad news has followed the team.
One of their best players, Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards, is not going to be able to play in the Olympics.
USA Basketball is working to replace guard Bradley Beal on the team’s Olympic roster ahead of trip to Japan, sources tell ESPN. Beal entered into health and safety protocols.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 15, 2021
They must find a replacement with very little time to spare.
The Olympics are right around the corner, but they need to find a player to replace Beal.
They need to find out who can be the next man up.
Here are three NBA players that Team USA can use as a replacement for Beal.
3. Julius Randle
The reigning NBA Most Improved Player of the Year should get a call.
Julius Randle proved this season that he is capable of being an All-Star player in this league.
For years, we saw him put up good numbers, but never thought he would be the guy he is today.
However, Team USA did not add him to the roster when the team was announced.
Some were confused as to why Kevin Love was on the team, but not Randle.
That mistake can be fixed now with them needing a replacement.
Team USA is need for some size and some playmaking.
Randle can bring both to the table.
He boosted his assists average to six this season and mustered up 10 rebounds per game.
Defense is not his calling card, but he definitely improved on that end under Tom Thibodeau.
Randle would be a great addition for the Team USA roster.
2. Ja Morant
Ja Morant has already come out and said that he does not want to be on the team after not getting the initial invite.
All eyes are on Ja Morant as Team USA looks for a replacement for Bradley Beal 👀
Will it happen? pic.twitter.com/KK7K34CPYM
— Grizzlies Nation (@GrizNationCP) July 15, 2021
However, maybe some apologizing can get him to play.
Morant is a young star in the making.
He would benefit a lot from being on this team.
They are in need for some playmaking abilities, which Morant can help with.
He is not the best shooter, but his athleticism is elite.
The likelihood of him joining seems low as of right now.
However, a simple phone call could change things potentially.
1. Tobias Harris
Team USA has called to see if Tobias Harris could be available for the Olympics.
Team USA is gauging the availability of Sixers star Tobias Harris as a potential replacement for Bradley Beal.
(via @PompeyOnSixers) pic.twitter.com/gBfo7RWK1e
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) July 16, 2021
He is not an All-Star, but has put up very good numbers over the last couple of years.
Harris is a good knockdown shooter who can also help with having some size for the team.
He is the type of player that knows his role and will not step on toes.
That is a great fit for a team with so much talent.
Harris is known for being such a great teammate who everyone gets along with.
Team USA can use someone with his shooting ability and energy.
Do not be surprised to see Harris in Tokyo very soon suiting up in the red, white, and blue.
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