Keldon Johnson added to Team USA's roster for the Olympics

Photo via USA Basketball

Keldon Johnson is going to Tokyo! Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that Johnson and JaVale McGee will replace Bradley Beal and Kevin Love on Team USA‘s 12-man roster for the Olympics, which start next Friday. Beal had to leave the team Wednesday due to health and safety protocols, while Love withdrew this morning due to a right calf injury.

Johnson, coming off his second season with the San Antonio Spurs, was originally named to the US Select Team and promoted to the exhibition roster to help fill in for Devin Booker, Jrue Holiday, and Khris Middleton as they finish the NBA Finals. In Monday night’s loss to Australia, he came off the bench to score seven points in 13 minutes, and in Tuesday’s win over Argentina, he finished with four points and five rebounds in 14 minutes.

“Keldon performed well,” head coach Greg Popovich said Monday. “He’s a physical kid. Played good team basketball. He moved it, took appropriate shots. I thought he was real solid.”

According to Woj, after Love withdrew this morning, there was “significant support and moment” for Johnson to be added to the roster. “He’s been playing with Olympic team as member of USA Select group, well-conditioned and has developed into a favorite of decision-makers and staff,” Woj reported.

With today’s news, there are now three former Cats on Team USA: Johnson, Bam Adebayo, and Devin Booker. The squad (minus Booker) will take the court on Sunday for their final exhibition vs. Spain.