Beal set to be first Wizards player to play for Team USA in Olympics originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
Bradley Beal has committed to play for Team USA in the Tokyo Summer Olympics, according to a report by The Athletic. If all goes according to plan, he will become the first active member of the Wizards franchise to play for the United States in the Olympics.
Beal, 27, will join Team USA in training camp in Las Vegas in early July. He would then head to Tokyo to play with an American squad expected to have fellow All-NBA selections Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum among others.
We're making it easier for you to find stories that matter with our new newsletter — The 4Front. Sign up here and get news that is important for you to your inbox.
Beal led the Eastern Conference in scoring this season for the second straight year. He started the All-Star game and was named All-NBA for the first time in his career.
Beal's career continues to trend upwards and playing with Team USA could have a profound effect on his Hall of Fame chances. International accomplishments count and a gold medal, or even a silver or bronze, would go a long way.
Beal has had been in the mix to play for Team USA before, but life has gotten in the way. In 2019, he declined participation in the FIBA World Cup due to the birth of his second son.
Beal will not be the only member of the Wizards playing in Tokyo. Rui Hachimura, who is from the host country of Japan, will participate. It's possible the two will play against each other.
Beal representing the United States while a member of the Wizards would be a first for the franchise.
The Wizards have had several players over the years who were on Team USA in the Olympics, but only before or after playing for the franchise. Beal's teammate Russell Westbrook won a gold medal in 2016 when he was with the Thunder, for instance.
