LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 10: Bradley Beal #4 of the United States passes against Nigeria during an exhibition game at Michelob ULTRA Arena ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games on July 10, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nigeria defeated the United States 90-87. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal was placed in health and safety protocols in Team USA camp on Wednesday.
The United States basketball team has been in the news for the past week following their back-to-back losses to Nigeria and Australia, their first win against Argentina and having Jayson Tatum out day-to-day due to right knee soreness. Now, head coach Gregg Popovich has another player on the sidelines.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal was placed in health and safety protocols at Team USA camp. With the Summer Olympics slated to begin on July 23, Beal’s return-to-play status is up in the air.
Wizards star Bradley Beal placed in health and safety protocols at Team USA camp
Beal participated in all three exhibition games thus far. The Wizards star tallied 2 points (1-for-7 from the field) in the loss to Nigeria, 12 points (4-for-6 shooting) against Australia and 17 points (5-for-8) in USA’s win over Argentina.
Beal is coming off a strong season where he and Russell Westbrook helped lead the Wizards to their first playoff berth since 2018. Through 60 regular-season games, Beal averaged a career-high 31.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists a night while shooting a career-best 48.5 percent from the field and 34.9 percent from 3-point range.
It’s too early to tell whether or not Beal will be able to make the trip to Tokyo to play for Team USA. We should get a better idea of Beal’s status once the Olympics draw nearer.