Team USA has been hit with a huge blow after Bradley Beal entered health and safety protocols on Thursday which will force him to miss the Tokyo Olympics. On top of that, Jerami Grant has also been put in protocols, but it's unknown if he will miss the tournament.
Nonetheless, Team USA needs to find a replacement for Beal immediately and according to the sources close to the Houston Chronicle, Rockets big man Christian Wood could be in line to get the call.
Wood is coming off a tremendous season in H-Town where he averaged 21 points and 9.6 rebounds, despite missing time with an ankle injury. With the Rockets in full rebuild mode, he's quickly turning into the franchise piece.
Team USA has numerous different names to choose from for the roster spot other than Wood, though. Ja Morant, Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell, Zion Williamson, and Julius Randle are all potential replacements for Beal.
The Americans' exhibition on Friday against Australia is now in jeopardy as well due to the COVID-19 issues within their squad. At this point, it's just a matter of getting healthy enough to be ready for Tokyo as they eye another gold medal.
Team USA got off to a rough start in their tune-up games, losing to Nigeria and then the Aussies. But, the team did bounce back with a big win over Argentina on Tuesday.
If Christian Wood does get selected, it would just top off a tremendous individual campaign for the undrafted center.
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