The Washington Wizards may have to wait a few more years before they can claim a Team USA Olympian. After entering the health and safety protocols for Team USA on July 14, Bradley Beal’s status for Tokyo 2020 is currently in question.
The good news: Beal is reportedly asymptomatic and feels great despite the positive or inconclusive COVID-19 test. More important than anything is Beal’s health, so it’s great to hear reports of him remaining relatively healthy.
The bad news: Beal could miss Tokyo 2020. Olympic protocol states that an athlete must “secure two negative tests in the 96 hours before departure, and again upon arrival, in order to enter Japan.” Team USA plans to depart for Japan on Monday, July 19. Their first game is against France on Sunday, July 25.
Bradley Beal’s status for the Olympics is in doubt. Team USA may be forced to find a replacement for the Washington Wizards All-Star.
If Beal ends up playing for Team USA in Tokyo, he will be the first Wizards player to represent the red, white, and blue on the world stage. If he does join the team in Japan, hopefully, he returns as the first Wizard to win a gold medal, as well.
Aside from putting his Olympic future in jeopardy, the timing is especially unfortunate since Beal just had his best performance among team USA’s three exhibition games. Beal was fairly pedestrian in the two recent losses to Nigeria and Australia. However, against Argentina (ranked #4 in the world), with everyone doubting team USA, Beal showed out.
In the first half against Argentina, Beal was nearly perfect, showing off his vast array of offensive weapons that Wizards fans are so familiar with seeing. At the break, Beal led all scorers with 12 points on 80 percent shooting. He finished the game with 17 points and six rebounds and missed just three shots from the field (5/8 FG). Led by Beal’s brilliance, team USA got their first and only win of the exhibition games, 108-80.
Team USA coach Greg Popovich will address the media on Thursday, July 15 at 4:30 p.m., and will likely offer additional information on Beal’s status. Hopefully, it’s good news for Beal and Team USA. However, even if Beal is unfortunately forced to miss the Olympic games, there will be other Wizards hooping in Tokyo. Rui Hachimura will be leading host nation Japan while Isaac Bonga and former Wizard Moritz Wagner will be representing Germany on the hardwood.