How to watch Bulls’ Zach LaVine play for Team USA basketball originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
In just a matter of weeks, the United States Men’s Basketball National Team will begin its quest for a 16th Olympic gold medal. Chicago Bulls All-Star Zach LaVine will join them in Tokyo.
But first, a little tune-up.
From July 10-18, Team USA will duke out exhibition contests against other already-qualified teams in Las Vegas before the Games officially begin on July 23.
LaVine’s contributions will be especially fun to monitor for Bulls fans. He becomes just the fourth player to represent the team on a United States Olympic roster in franchise history, joining Jimmy Butler (2016), Scottie Pippen (1992, 1996) and Michael Jordan (1984, 1992).
All three helped bring home gold in their respective years, and LaVine will hope to do the same with a stacked 2021 squad.
But where will the Bulls’ guard fit into head coach Gregg Popovich’s rotation? How does this U.S. team stack up against other elite competition?
Here’s how to watch their exhibition slate and find out:
USA Men's Basketball Exhibition Schedule
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July 10 — vs. Nigeria
Time: 7 p.m. CT
Watch: NBCSN | Stream
Nigeria’s 15-man roster includes some names familiar to NBA fans: the Heat’s Precious Achiuwa, Kezie Okpala and Gabe Vincent; Jazz’s Miye Oni; Timberwolves’ Josh Okogie; Bucks’ Jordan Nwora; Kings’ Chimezie Metu; former journeyman Ekpe Udoh; and Chicago native Jahlil Okafor, who now plays with the Pistons.
July 12 — vs. Australia
Time: 7 p.m. CT
Watch: NBCSN | Stream
While Ben Simmons opted against joining Australia for this summer’s Olympics, seven NBA names dot the roster: Spurs guard Patty Mills, Jazz forward Joe Ingles, Raptors center Aron Baynes, Rockets guard Dante Exum, Mavericks wing Josh Green, Sixers wing Matisse Thybulle and former Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova.
July 13 — vs. Argentina
Time: 5 p.m. CT
Watch: NBCSN | Stream
Nuggets guard Facundo Campazzo, Thunder forward Gabriel Deck, 2020 Timberwolves first-round draft acquisition Leandro Bolmaro, recent Knicks signee Lucas Vildoza and ex-NBAer Luis Scola are on Argentina's roster.
July 16 — vs. Australia
Time: 5 p.m. CT
Watch: NBCSN | Stream
July 18 — vs. Spain
Time: 8 p.m. CT
Watch: NBCSN | Stream
As usual, Spain’s roster is filled with NBA names, including Lakers center Marc Gasol, ex-Bull Pau Gasol, Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio, Timberwolves forward Juancho Hernangómez, Pelicans center Willy Hernangómez, and ex-NBAers Alex Abrines, Rudy Fernandez and Sergio Rodriguez.
Projected 2021 first-round draft pick Usman Garuba is also on the roster, as is international superstar Sergio Llull.
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