Lillard and Green to play for Team USA in Tokyo

Damien Lillard had dropped out of Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro back in 2016 choosing to instead go to rehab and deal with plantar fasciitis injury. Later in 2020 Lillard had shared that he would opt out of the Olympics if Trail Blazers reached the 2021 NBA finals but unfortunately, Denver Nuggets beat Portland in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. Ending Lillard’s 9th NBA season averaging 28.8 points in the 2020-21 season, he was even considered for the NBA MVP award this season.

While Draymond Green on the other hand was part of the gold medal-winning squad in 2016 but has averaged 1.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in the last eight games. Since Team USA would be shorthanded this season as players would choose to rest after a hectic season Green would have a bigger role to play in Olympics. Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum would also join the team after missing out on the 2019 FIBA World Cup.