Notes on the Olympics: K. Johnson, Lillard, Tatum, exhibition match



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Keldon johnson isn’t on Twitter, so he was one of the last people at Team USA training camp in Las Vegas to find out that the was added to the Olympic squad, writes Joe Vardon of The Athletic. Johnson and JaVale McGee were announced as replacements on Friday after Bradley Beal has been sidelined by health and safety protocols and Kevin Amour withdrew due to concerns about his injured calf.

“(General Manager of the USA team) Jerry (Colangelo) came up to me and he kind of told me the news ”, Johnson said. “I mean, I was at a loss for words. I didn’t really know what to say but thanks for the opportunity and the confidence to go out there and do business with the other guys.

Johnson came to Las Vegas as part of the US Select squad, which faces the Olympians in training camp. He got the chance to play in exhibition games because the team members Devin Booker, Jrue Holidays and Khris Middleton all compete in the NBA Finals.

Johnson had initially signed up for a four-day commitment to the selected squad, but his Olympic experience will now last until the end of the Games on August 8. have military experience.

“My mom cried, my dad was choking a little, everyone was like that, because you know you pray for times like this.” Johnson said. “… It was a special moment.”

There is more on the Olympics:

  • As the rumors revolve around Damien lillardBeal’s future at Portland, the loss of Beal means he will have to take more responsibility in order to score, Vardon adds in a separate story. Lillard and Kevin Durant will be the center of the offense as the team travels to Tokyo next week. “I wouldn’t say carrying the team, but obviously we will have important roles in the team”, Lillard said. “I think KD and I will have to go out there and play a big role, and we will have to do what we do, but I don’t consider that we have to carry the team. They are a team of the best players in our league.
  • Preparing for his first Olympics, Jayson tatum always adapts to international rules, according to Darren Hartwell of NBC Sports. Tatum said players remembered the differences in this week’s exhibition games.
  • The United States team are still expected to close their exhibition schedule on Sunday night against Spain. Friday’s game against Australia has been called off due to “great caution” over COVID-19.

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