CLEVELAND — Editor's note: the video in the player above is from March 10, 2021.
When the USA Basketball Men’s National Team takes the court for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, this summer, the Cleveland Cavaliers could find themselves well represented. On Thursday, Cavs center Jarrett Allen was named as one of 15 new finalists for the USA Basketball Men’s National Team, giving Cleveland four of the 57 finalists as he joins teammates Kevin Love, Andre Drummond and JaVale McGee, who were previously named finalists.
“With the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics from 2020 to 2021, it’s important that we continue to remain flexible and consider all players who can contribute to our efforts to field the best USA team possible. These additions we are announcing today will help ensure that we are doing that,” USA Basketball Men’s National Team managing director Jerry Colangelo said in a statement.
“Having a larger player pool than what we normally have is critical because of all of the uncertainties we face about availability. But for USA Basketball to receive the commitment of so many outstanding players remains an indicator of the great honor of representing your country means to these men.”
While it remains unclear how many of the NBA's top players will play in the Olympics just summer with the playoffs lasting longer than usual due to the delayed start of the regular season, the 22-year-old Allen might have the best chance of being selected to the U.S. National Team. In 23 games since being acquired by Cleveland from the Brooklyn Nets, the 6-foot-11 center has averaged 14.7 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.7 blocks.
Having been delayed a year due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the 2020 Summer Olympics are slated to begin on Friday, July 23, 2021.
More Cleveland Cavaliers coverage:
On Thursday's Locked on Cavs Chris Manning and Evan Dammarell discuss the passing of Joe Tait, the Cavaliers making the playoffs, Kevin Love's role, and Collin Sexton's future with the team.
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