Kevin Love pulls out of USA Basketball Olympic team, roster down to 10
Jul 16, 2021, 9:10 AM
Kevin Love, left, and Kevin Durant laugh while passing a cell phone after practice for USA Basketball, Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
(AP Photo/John Locher)
Kevin Love has withdrawn from the Olympics because of a calf injury, forcing the U.S. basketball team to replace two players on its roster.
Love’s agent, Jeff Schwartz, confirmed the Cleveland Cavalier forward’s withdrawal Friday. It was first reported by ESPN.
Love’s withdrawal comes a day after the Americans announced the Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal would miss the Olympics because he was in health and safety protocols. USA Basketball said Thursday it will replace him on its roster at a later date.
The Americans also announced that forward Jerami Grant has also been placed in health and safety protocols “out of an abundance of caution.” Head coach Gregg Popovich said the Americans didn’t expect that his Olympics would be in jeopardy.
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At the moment, the active USA roster is down to six players because of Love’s pullout, health and safety protocol absences and three players on the roster still involved in the NBA Finals.
Because of that, the team on Thursday cancelled its exhibition game against Australia scheduled for Friday night in Las Vegas because of health and safety protocols. USA Basketball cited “an abundance of caution” in making the decision.
The Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker, plus the Milwaukee Bucks’ Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday, are committed to joining the Olympic team but are currently in a 2-2 battle for the NBA championship.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
