Team USA's preparations for the Tokyo Olympics have taken another hit after Zach LaVine was put into health and safety protocols on Monday, forcing him to miss the flight to Japan for the Summer Games.
USA Basketball released a statement about LaVine's status, saying that he "will not travel with the team out of an abundance of caution." Team USA remains hopeful, however, that LaVine "will be able to join the team in Tokyo later this week."
LaVine's Olympic status now uncertain
LaVine is now the third Team USA player affected by the COVID-19 health protocols in the past week. Washington Wizards superstar Bradley Beal had to leave and surrender his spot in the team after testing positive for COVID-19, while Jerami Grant was subjected to contact tracing quarantine for four days.
Fortunately for the Detroit Pistons forward, Grant passed the health and safety protocols and was allowed to travel to Tokyo ahead of the Olympic Games. He should be available to play when Team USA plays its first game in Tokyo on July 25 against European powerhouse France.
LaVine's status for that group opener remains uncertain, though, leaving Team USA head coach Gregg Popovich and the rest of the coaching staff with a major lineup problem. He looked impressive as the replacement starter for Beal in the past two exhibition games against Argentina and Spain.
He erupted for 15 points, five rebounds, and a steal in Team USA's 108-80 victory over Argentina that snapped the Americans' two-game losing streak. LaVine then solidified his role as Team USA's starting shooting guard in the 83-76 win over Spain, registering 13 points, two rebounds, two assists, and just one turnover in 22 minutes of action.
LaVine shot 5-of-8 from the field and was a deep threat in that contest, connecting on three of his five three-point attempts. LaVine looked strong throughout Team USA's Olympic run-up, averaging 10.3 points in the four exhibition games they played. He is the team's third-leading scorer behind Damian Lillard and Kevin Durant.
Related Article: Team USA Basketball: Tokyo Olympics and Exhibition Games Schedule
Team USA short-handed ahead of group opener against France
With LaVine not cleared for Monday's flight, Team USA traveled to Tokyo with just eight of its players as Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, and Devin Booker are still playing in the NBA Finals. The series between the Suns and the Bucks might end on Tuesday, though, with a Milwaukee victory in Game 6, and Popovich said that the three players could arrive in Tokyo just 24 hours before the first pool-play game against France this coming Sunday.
The worst-case scenario for Popovich is if the NBA Finals stretches to a Game 7. That championship decider on July 23 is scheduled a day before the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Tokyo and just three days before the US vs. France game.
Apart from the trio not establishing any chemistry with their USA teammates, quite concerning for Popovich is the fatigue factor for these players who not only went on a grueling playoff run but will also embark on a very long flight to Tokyo.
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