The United States men’s basketball team now has more to worry about than just their recent losing streak in exhibition play. Bradley Beal has reportedly entered the COVID-19 health and safety protocols, possibly putting his spot on the roster for the Tokyo Olympics in jeopardy.

The Athletic reported Wednesday that Beal is quarantining away from the team, just nine days before the Opening Ceremony for the Summer Games. It’s unknown if Beal has tested positive for COVID-19. The U.S. could learn Thursday if Beal is still able to travel to Japan for the Olympics.

Team USA is scheduled to play its first Olympic game on July 25, two days after the Opening Ceremony.

Beal is one of the most important players on Team USA. The guard’s 17 points and six rebounds were tied for a team-high in Tuesday’s 108-80 exhibition win over Argentina in Las Vegas.

Beal finished second in the NBA with 31.3 points per game during the regular season.

Both Nigeria and Australia defeated Team USA in exhibition games within the last week. Team USA will play two more contests in Las Vegas before heading to Tokyo in search of a fourth straight gold medal.

Keldon Johnson, Darius Garland and Saddiq Bey are members of the Select Team and have played for Team USA during the exhibition games. They are among the options to replace Beal, if needed, though Team USA could target one of the NBA stars that isn’t currently planning to go to Tokyo.

One player on the Select Team tested positive for COVID-19 last week, ESPN reports, and two other Select Team players left the team because of contact tracing.

Three members of the Team USA roster won’t play any exhibition games. Devin Booker, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday are expected to fly to Tokyo shortly after the conclusion of the 2021 NBA Finals.

Bradley Beal
Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Capital One Arena on January 24, 2019 in Washington, DC. Getty Images/Rob Carr
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