It’s been a trying time for the U.S. men’s basketball team preparing for the Olympics. With a few of their key players out due to health and safety protocols, they had to modify their team in such a short period of time. Here are the highlights:

• U.S. coach Gregg Popovich said, “It’s a little bit different.” He’s referring to things going forward for their squad and adapting to the changes of the environment. 
• The team has only been together for 2 weeks and they plan to squeeze in at least four more practices before their first game against France on July 25.
• While 12 names are on the roster, they’re waiting for Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, and Devin Booker to finish up the NBA Finals. 
• Gregg Popovich looks at adversity as just another challenge to overcome. He said that this is just a test to make them better. Popovich said it best, “either you handle or you don’t.”
• From Beal coming down with the virus to Kevin Love’s injury, the USA team definitely has their fair share of obstacles to climb over.
• Popovich knows that getting too experimental is not the way to go with the current roster. It’s about finding common things people are good at and expanding upon that synergy.
• It’ll be interesting to see because if a Game 7 does happen in the NBA finals, it’ll be 3 days before the USA faces France in their opening match. 
• Popovich realizes fatigue will definitely be a factor with them coming over. Not to mention, everyone has to stay healthy. There are many variables to monitor, but he’s hopeful the squad will continue to improve regardless of the situation.