Team USA’s roster for the 2028 Olympics will likely look vastly different as iconic players like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry are unlikely to participate. The absence of these superstars poses a challenge for the national team, especially as the 2028 games will be held in Los Angeles. The rest of the world has caught up to Team USA in terms of skill, making the path to gold increasingly competitive.

Looking at the potential 2028 lineup, several key players could play pivotal roles. The core might include Jaylen Brunson, Jaylen Brown, and Jason Tatum, though it’s uncertain if they will commit to the team. Brunson, projected to be around 31 or 32, may consider not playing due to age and performance factors. Tatum, who has been a consistent part of Team USA since he was a teenager, might feel snubbed after a lack of significant playtime in the 2024 Olympics.

In terms of guards, likely contenders include Devin Booker, Ja Morant, De’Aaron Fox, Cade Cunningham, Donovan Mitchell, Tyrese Maxey, Anthony Edwards, and Tyrese Haliburton. From this list, Brunson, Haliburton, Edwards, and Maxey are strong possibilities based on their skill sets and current team dynamics.

For wings, the lineup could include Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, if they decide to play, along with young talents like Scottie Barnes, Miles Bridges, Jalen Williams, Zion Williamson, and Paolo Banchero. These players bring versatility, defense, and the potential for dominance in rebounding and rim protection, albeit lacking in elite shooting abilities.

The frontcourt remains a weak point for Team USA. Potential bigs like Evan Mobley, Jaren Jackson Jr., Bam Adebayo, and Chet Holmgren bring versatility but lack the size typically required in international play. However, Coach Erik Spoelstra’s experience could help compensate for this gap.

Ultimately, the talent pool for 2028 may not match the star power of previous squads. The 2028 team will likely rely more on depth, athleticism, and defense, making it more susceptible to falling short against rising international talent. The key will be finding players willing to embrace new roles, as generational players like LeBron and KD did in the past.