Australian boomers exhibition games

Australia's men's basketball exhibition game with the United States has been cancelled because of coronavirus-related issues. A decision to abandon the game came hours after the US confirmed Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal is out of the Olympics after being placed into health and safety protocols. Beal was a starter in the US Olympic team's first three exhibition games that included shock losses to Nigeria and Australia followed by a victory over Argentina.

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It's not all perfect, though. There are areas where Australia has been strengthened, but others that appear diminished. There's also, as is always the case, the controversial selection or two. Changes can technically still be made to this team up until the Boomers' first Olympic game against Nigeria on July 25, and upcoming exhibition games in Las Vegas -- against Argentina, the Nigerians, and twice against the USA -- may give Goorjian and his coaching staff things to think about.

That apparent flexibility notwithstanding, the Boomers have their 12 as they enter official pre-Olympic camp in Vegas, and the stakes have never been higher.

The NBA core's last shot This isn't a secret. All are in their 30s -- Andrew Bogut's retirement was the clearest and most visceral example of Father Time winning -- and there's a clear changing of the guard that's happening in front of our very eyes. Their road has been famous, but always incomplete. They've publicly chased a gold medal and even beat Team USA in a warmup game in the process, but actually walking away with silverware at a major international tournament has always evaded them.

Whether it's Spain being "kissed on the d," as former assistant Luc Longley said in China, or the infamous blocking call on Mills in Rio, the Boomers have remained medal-less. It's why there's a clear sense of urgency when it comes to this tournament. They've chased a medal for so long, and this is more-than-likely their last chance to win one. If the core, spiritually led by Mills, can win that coveted medal, all while passing the torch to the next generation of the program's leaders, then this Olympic campaign would be considered a resounding success.

And, for that group, the proverbial monkey will finally jump off their back. A lot of eyes have been on Matisse Thybulle's late arrival at camp because he's coming off another outstanding defensive season and, of course, he's Simmons' teammate. There's that ironic wonderment regarding his presence at camp while Simmons does his own thing this off-season. But, it's not just Thybulle. It's a debut Olympics for all three and, while they excel in different areas offensively, they provide a multi-positional and switchable look for Goorjian on the defensive end.

Exum is unique because he can legitimately play and guard one-through-three, and his shooting has improved throughout his time in the NBA. Health is the only thing that's held him back so, now as an unrestricted free agent, he'll have the opportunity to show he can stay on the floor and make an impact at a high level.

Thybulle and Green are a pair of elite defenders who should absolutely thrive playing under Goorjian. Both are long, athletic, and have terrific defensive instincts; all traits Goorjian loves. Think of how Justin Simon was placed within the Illawarra Hawks' defensive schemes, usually guarding the ball-carrier and acting as the ultimate disrupter. Thybulle and Green, and even Exum in stretches, can play that role to perfection. Then, there were the times the Philadelphia 76ers went into their matchup zone down the stretch, with Thybulle at the top being long and active; Goorjian went to that with the Hawks, at times, so don't be surprised if we see glimpses of it at the Olympics.

Green is the potential X-factor here. This doesn't seem like the token, end-of-the-bench pick for the year-old to get him some experience.

Goorjian went into this camp looking for a defensive dog; someone who would pick up full court and be a nuisance on that end of the floor. Green has the potential to be that guy, but with the overall talent package to make an impact on the offensive end, too. Let's talk about the big depth As in, let's talk about the lack of it.

Baynes will be the first to admit that his season with the Raptors was wildly underwhelming, so the hope is that he hasn't carried that form over to the Olympics, because the margin for error in the Boomers' frontcourt is slim. Struggling with hormonal acne and how to fix it? A skin expert shares her best advice. Exiled Storm monster set for shock code switch.

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