Predicting Team USA’s 2028 Olympic Basketball Roster

The era when American men`s basketball teams effortlessly dominated international competitions is a thing of the past. Recent fierce Olympic contests against formidable teams like Serbia and France have underscored the critical importance of strategic roster construction for Team USA. Simply assembling the twelve most individually talented players is no longer sufficient; the team composition must be cohesive and balanced from a basketball standpoint, often necessitating tough decisions. One year after securing their latest gold medal, Team USA will aim to defend their title in Los Angeles three years from now.

Grant Hill, managing director for USA Basketball, holds the ultimate authority over the 2028 roster selection. He will, however, consult extensively with his coaching staff. Steve Kerr, who announced his departure as head coach following the Paris Olympics, is unlikely to lead the team. Whether his successor is one of his former assistants (Erik Spoelstra, Tyronn Lue, Mark Few) or a new appointment, the challenge remains to carefully select a group of stars who not only possess elite skills but also the mental fortitude required for success on the global stage.

Hosting the 2028 Games in Los Angeles is expected to make recruitment easier for players, eliminating arduous international travel and jet lag. However, this convenience also presents a challenge: iconic figures such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry might no longer be active in the NBA by then, let alone in a position to spearhead Team USA to a gold medal. James and Curry have largely indicated they won`t return in 2028, while Durant`s participation remains a slight possibility. For the purpose of this prediction, we will assume these three legendary players have concluded their Olympic careers.

Should these veterans indeed step aside, 2028 will mark a definitive transition to the next generation of talent. Stephen Curry`s stellar 2024 performance would then serve as a fitting finale to a remarkable era of U.S. basketball, which has secured the last five Olympic gold medals.

Excluding these legendary players, let`s now examine the potential 12-man roster poised to lead Team USA in 2028, detailing the rationale behind each selection.

Projected 2028 Team USA Olympic basketball roster

The Holdovers

Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

• Age in 2028: 27
• Olympic appearances: 2024

Anthony Edwards is a strong candidate to become the future icon of American basketball. At 24, he already boasts two All-NBA selections and has guided the Timberwolves to back-to-back conference finals. He made an explosive Olympic debut last year, averaging 13 points in just 16 minutes per game, with impressive shooting percentages of 58% from the field and 48% from beyond the arc. While nothing is certain, it would be highly surprising if Edwards were not on the 2028 roster.

Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

• Age in 2028: 30
• Olympic appearances: 2020, 2024

Provided his recovery from Achilles surgery is successful, Jayson Tatum is an undeniable choice for his third consecutive Olympic appearance. At 30 years old in 2028, he will bring significant experience and accolades to the team. Although Tatum saw limited action and two DNPs under Coach Kerr in Paris, his role is expected to expand considerably in Los Angeles.

Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns

• Age in 2028: 31
• Olympic appearances: 2020, 2024

Devin Booker is practically guaranteed a spot on his third consecutive Olympic team, thanks to his established prowess as a scorer in international play. In Paris, he averaged 12 points, three rebounds, and three assists, with outstanding shooting percentages (57% field, 57% three-point, 78% free-throw), solidifying his role as a crucial team member. It`s difficult to envision any scenario where Booker would not secure his place on the 2028 squad.

Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks

• Age in 2028: 35
• Olympic appearances: 2012, 2024

Anthony Davis has been a cornerstone of Team USA for over a decade, clinching gold medals in all three of his prior international appearances (2012 and 2024 Olympics, 2014 World Cup). He embodies the versatile big man profile crucial for the roster, excelling on both ends of the court—a rare commodity. During the Paris campaign, he averaged eight points, seven rebounds, two assists, and 1.5 blocks per game, shooting an efficient 63% from the field. Though he will be 35 in 2028, a healthy Davis is highly likely to make another Olympic roster.

Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat

• Age in 2028: 31
• Olympic appearances: 2020, 2024

Similar to Davis, Bam Adebayo epitomizes the ideal modern big man, capable of defending all five positions, protecting the rim, and efficiently scoring. His unique playmaking ability, uncommon for NBA centers, makes him a valuable asset for almost any lineup. Should he further develop his offensive repertoire in the coming years, Adebayo could see an expanded role in Los Angeles compared to his two previous Olympic outings.

Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers

• Age in 2028: 28
• Olympic appearances: 2024

Tyrese Haliburton modestly downplayed his statistical impact on the Paris gold, yet his leadership, energy, and high basketball IQ are unmistakable to anyone familiar with his game. He participated in only three of six games last summer, averaging three points in nine minutes. This limited role is unlikely to persist in 2028, assuming a full recovery from the severe Achilles injury sustained in Game 7 of June`s NBA Finals. His selfless style of play, which amplifies the talent around him, suggests a strong possibility of him even starting in Los Angeles.

Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

• Age in 2028: 34
• Olympic appearances: 2024

Maintaining an optimistic outlook, we anticipate Joel Embiid will be sufficiently healthy to contribute to Team USA in 2028. In Paris, he was dominant despite limited minutes, playing a crucial role in the Americans` fourth-quarter surge to defeat Serbia in the semifinal. A healthy Embiid is virtually unguardable globally, and even if physical demands temper his minutes, his immense talent alone should secure him another spot on the roster.

The New Blood

Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks

• Age in 2028: 31
• Olympic appearances: None

Jalen Brunson was reportedly `high on the list` for the 2024 Olympic team, according to Steve Kerr, but did not make the final cut. This scenario is unlikely to repeat in 2028, where he is expected to seamlessly fill the guard spot vacated by Stephen Curry. Brunson has evolved into one of the world`s most dynamic scoring guards. Despite his smaller stature, his tenaciousness and high basketball IQ should enable him to effectively defend against international opponents. Although he has yet to participate in an Olympics, Brunson earned gold with the U18 and U19 Team USA squads and was a pivotal player on the 2023 World Cup team.

Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

• Age in 2028: 25
• Olympic appearances: None

Paolo Banchero caused a stir by choosing to play for Team USA at the 2023 World Cup instead of Team Italy. The 6-foot-10 forward demonstrated significant growth in his third NBA season, averaging 26 points, 7.5 rebounds, and five assists as the offensive cornerstone for the Magic, and his development continues. His distinctive skill set for his size makes him an ideal fit for the 2028 Olympic roster, particularly if he enhances his three-point shooting consistency.

Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder

• Age in 2028: 27
• Olympic appearances: None

Becoming an All-NBA and All-Defensive caliber player in just his third NBA season, Jalen Williams possesses the perfect blend of versatility and talent for the Team USA roster. He has demonstrated the ability to thrive alongside a superstar like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, understanding when to facilitate and when to take charge. His continued improvement over the next few seasons should give him an excellent opportunity to make his Olympic debut in Los Angeles.

Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers

• Age in 2028: 31
• Olympic appearances: None

It`s surprising that Donovan Mitchell has yet to make an Olympic roster, especially given his past statements about how much playing for Team USA means to him. His sole international experience with the national team was a disappointing seventh-place finish at the 2019 World Cup. However, 2028 could offer him a chance for redemption, as Team USA will require new scoring leadership in the absence of James, Curry, and potentially Durant. Last season, the All-NBA guard averaged 24 points and five assists for the Cavaliers, demonstrating a willingness to prioritize team success over individual stats—a crucial mindset for his potential Olympic debut.

Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons

• Age in 2028: 26
• Olympic appearances: None

Cade Cunningham, a 6-foot-6 point guard with impressive size and strength, is only beginning to unlock his full potential. It`s exciting to envision his growth in three years, where he`ll likely be an indispensable candidate for an Olympic roster spot. His versatility to play both on and off the ball, coupled with his ability to create opportunities for teammates in addition to his own scoring, will be vital. Having previously won gold with Team USA at the U19 FIBA World Cup, 2028 appears to be the opportune moment for his Olympic debut.

On the radar: Evan Mobley, Jaylen Brown, Cooper Flagg, Amen Thompson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, Jaren Jackson Jr., Ja Morant, Zion Williamson, Trae Young, Tyrese Maxey, LaMelo Ball, Tyler Herro, De`Aaron Fox, Brandon Miller, Trey Murphy III

Cuts from 2024: LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White