USA Basketball Kevin Love to complete the 2021 Team USA roster for the Summer Olympics received criticism around the league. Even Jalen Rose labeled the move as racist, as he wanted to see an all-black team representing the country in Tokyo next month.
Not everybody was happy with Love getting a spot for the upcoming tournament but the organization felt it was the right move. Team USA director Jerry Colangelo recently opened up on this situation, saying that Love has experience playing international basketball and is a veteran who will help the guys playing for the team for the first time this season.
"The best reason to say why Kevin Love as an extra big was because of his international experience," Colangelo told Marc Berman of the New York Post. "Yes it’s true he hasn’t played much of anything the last couple of years, but the skills he brings to the table and commitment he’s made to physical conditioning, he’s a versatile guy up front who can rebound and hit shots."
Sure, this decision raised many eyebrows around the league, but it's not like Love is a nobody who hasn't done anything in his career. Although injuries have been ruthless with him in recent seasons, Love was one of the best players in his position not long ago. He's a very capable sharpshooter who can mentor the young guys on the roster and already knows what it takes to win an international tournament.
2021 Team USA is stacked, even though LeBron James and Stephen Curry declined to play in Tokyo. Having other names like Love, Kevin Durant, and Draymond Green will be beneficial for this squad.
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