Team USA took home gold in 2024. However, it’s easy to wonder what team USA 2028 will look like.
The main stars of this year’s team, LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry, will either be retired or too old to play in the 2028 Olympics. This will force the next generation to step up.
Team USA 2028 player 1- Scottie Barnes- power forward
Scottie Barnes has quickly become one of the most all around players in the NBA since his debut in the 2021-2022 NBA season. He has played for team USA on the under 16, under 17 and under 19 teams. He has yet to play for team USA since becoming an NBA player.
Team USA 2028 player 2- Anthony Edwards- shooting guard
Anthony Edwards is one of five players likely to make a return from the 2024 team. Edwards was the leading scorer on the 2023 FIBA team that failed to win a medal. He helped team USA get its revenge in 2024. Edwards is clearly one of the most talented players in the league but he often shows his lack of experience on the court, sometimes getting tunnel vision and going into score only mode. Hopefully four more years in the NBA will help him gain the wisdom Curry, James and Durant are leaving behind.
Team USA 2028 player 3- Tyrese Maxey- point guard
Tyrese Maxey took a huge leap in 2024 that saw him win most improved player. This leap wasn’t enough for him to win a spot on the 2024 Olympic team though. He last played for team USA in the under 18 tournament.
Photo via Sports Illustrated
Team USA 2028 player 4- Jaylen Brown- small forward
Jaylen Brown won the finals MVP, but despite this he wasn’t given an invite to team USA in 2024. Despite this USA basketball director Grant Hill has assured Jaylen Brown he will be considered for team USA 2028. Personally, I believe that Brown will only consider being a part of team USA 2028 if his teammate Jayson Tatum plays. The championship duo would give team USA a big talent and experience boost.
Team USA 2028 player 5- Paolo Banchero- power forward
In 2023 Paolo Banchero was a controversial addition to team USA for the FIBA world cup. Despite being born in the US he had shown interest in playing for team Italy. He ultimately chose to play for the US but failed to medal.
Team USA 2028 player 6- Tyrese Haliburton- point guard
Tyrese Haliburton is the second of the 2024 players who I believe will make a return for 2028. Haliburton has quickly become one of the best passers in the league. His 2024 Olympic showing wasn’t good, leading to him being benched for the final two games. Despite this his experience will be valuable. Just like Edwards he was on the 2023 FIBA team that failed to medal. The 2020 draft star duo of Edwards and Haliburton will be important for the US maintaining its dominance.
Photo via FIBA basketball
Team USA 2028 player 7- Jayson Tatum- small forward
Jayson Tatum is the third player I expect to make a return for team USA in 2028. Tatum already has two gold medals in his young career as he was a member of the 2020 team USA gold medal team as well as 2024. Although his impact was minimal for the 2024 team he was the second best player in the 2020 games. There are some questions on whether he will be interested in playing for team USA again after his lack of playing time in 2024. However, with Steve Kerr likely to be replaced as coach this could encourage Tatum to represent the US once more.
Team USA 2028 player 8- Cooper Flagg- power forward
Cooper Flagg is the ultimate wild card for team USAs future. He has yet to even play a game in college, but his talent is clearly there. Flagg was a part of the team USA select team who got to play vs. the eventual gold medal team. Flagg’s development could be the difference between team USA going home with gold in 2028 or not.
Team USA player 9- Chet Holmgren- center
Chet Holmgren is seen by many as the American answer on how to guard Victor Wembanyama. Both centers are known for their height, skinny frame and ability to move the basketball like a guard. Holmgren is another player who looks raw right now but by the time we get to 2028 he can be a superstar.
Photo via FIBA Basketball
Team USA player 10- Bam Adebayo- center
Bam Adebayo is the fourth player I expect to be a member of both the 2024 team USA team and the 2028 one. Adebayo, similar to Tatum, also played for the 2020 team. Adebayo didn’t play in the 2023 FIBA games after his team the Heat had a longer playoff run than expected. His absence was considered one of the biggest reasons for the 2023 team’s failure to win a medal. His defensive versatility helps any team he’s on be able to guard whoever is on the other team.
Team USA player 11- Jalen Suggs- shooting guard
Jalen Sugg isn’t the most exciting name. His only major accomplishment is making the second team all defense in 2024. Despite this, he will be a perfect fit for team USA in 2028 if he keeps his pace up. Not everyone on team USA needs to be a star. Suggs could be the perfect above average player to compliment all the stars.
Team USA player 12- Devin Booker- shooting guard
Devin Booker is the fifth of five players I expect to make a return for the team USA 2028. He would be one of three, along with Jayson Tatum and Bam Adebayo, to play for team USA three times in the Olympics. Even if Booker isn’t the most talented on the team by 2028 his experience will make him a prime candidate to be in the starting lineup. If this ends up being the team Booker will be the most experienced member, as he was a part of the 2015 NBA draft.
