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Keldon Johnson and JaVale McGee added to Team USA for Tokyo Olympics

Spurs wing Keldon Johnson with Team USA

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Keldon Johnson #40 of the USA Men’s Select Team smiles during practice for training camp on July 9, 2021 at Mendenhall Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)

NBAE via Getty Images

Bradley Beal and Kevin Love won’t play for Team USA in the Tokyo Olympics.

Enter Spurs wing Keldon Johnson and Nuggets center JaVale McGee.

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN broke the news and it has now been confirmed by USA Basketball.

“Our hearts truly break for Brad and Kevin, who did everything asked but for unfortunate and different reasons will be unable to join us in Tokyo,” said Jerry Colangelo, USA Basketball Men’s National Team managing director. “We welcome Keldon and JaVale to our squad. Keldon has played well during our training camp and in the exhibition games in Las Vegas, and being a member of the San Antonio Spurs he is familiar with the things coach Popovich wants this team to do. JaVale has been involved in our USA National Team program since 2009, and we believe he will offer a valuable inside presence.”

Johnson plays for Team USA coach Gregg Popovich on the Spurs. So, there’s a familiarity, and Johnson will play hard. But that’s obviously a big talent downgrade from Beal.

McGee is an even more-surprising addition to Team USA. It seemed more likely he’d play for the Philippines internationally.

A few years ago, McGee thrived in a narrow lob-finishing, rim-protecting role for the championship Warriors and Lakers. Maybe he could still do that on a relatively small team of other stars. But he’s now 33 and didn’t even crack Denver’s playoff rotation.

Says something about the state of USA Basketball.