Spurs’ Keldon Johnson, Nuggets’ JaVale McGee Joining Team USA As Replacements

Spurs shooting guard Keldon Johnson and Nuggets center JaVale McGee have been added as replacement players to Team USA, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Johnson and McGee will replace Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal and Cavaliers power forward Kevin Love. Beal has been in U.S. basketball health and safety protocols, and Love withdrew after injury concerns and ineffective play.

Johnson impressed during a run with the Select Team, then later with the main roster in training camp. It probably doesn’t hurt that the Americans are coached by Spurs coach Gregg Popovich.

“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,” Wojnarowski wrote of Johnson.

Meanwhile, McGee has not been in camp, but his experience and athleticism proved to be largely beneficial to the Cavaliers earlier this season, prior to a March trade to the Nuggets. McGee has won three titles — two with the Warriors, followed by another with the Lakers.