Julius Randle Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

Knicks All-Star Julius Randle wasn't offered spot on Olympic roster

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 7/19/21

Julius Randle was never offered a spot on the U.S. Olympic team despite previous comments from team director Jerry Colangelo that the New York Knicks forward was a likely candidate to make the roster, Marc Berman of the New York Post reported over the weekend.

According to the report, Team USA "discussed making Randle an offer" with Bradley Beal out due to COVID-19 and Kevin Love nursing a calf injury. Ultimately, the team wanted more "role players" in the mix. The U.S. decided to tap San Antonio Spurs small forward Keldon Johnson and Denver Nuggets center JaVale McGee instead.

Additionally, the Post speculates Kevin Durant might have played a role in keeping Randle off the roster.

According to @NYPost_Berman, the rumor was that #Nets superstar SF-PF Kevin Durant preferred #Cavs #Cavaliers PF-C Kevin Love to #Knicks star PF Julius Randle for #TeamUSA.
— Kyle Cohen (@kylecohenNBA) July 19, 2021

Randle has been working out and was open to joining Team USA to fill one of the vacated roster spots, according to the report.

The Kentucky product led the Knicks with 24.1 points and six assists per game, earning his first All-Star nod. He led the Knicks in the postseason with 11.6 rebounds and was second only to Derrick Rose with 18 points per game.

Team USA has more players joining the roster once the NBA Finals wrap up. Colangelo is expected to add Devin Booker, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday.

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