Team USA’s Basketball Future: Navigating the 2028 Olympics
Team USA’s basketball dominance has long been a hallmark of the Olympic Games, with the national team winning four consecutive gold medals from 2008 to 2024. Despite these victories, their road to gold hasn’t always been easy, and the 2024 Olympic Games served as a stark reminder that global competition in basketball has grown stronger. Players like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant, who were instrumental in the team’s success, will not be returning for the 2028 Games. As a result, Team USA must begin planning for the future now if they want to secure a fifth consecutive gold medal in Los Angeles.
The End of an Era
By 2028, LeBron James will be 44, Stephen Curry will be 41, and Kevin Durant will be 40. Their retirements from international basketball seem inevitable, marking the end of an era for Team USA. Even defensive stalwarts like Jrue Holiday and Derrick White are unlikely to return, leaving a significant gap not just in talent, but also in leadership.
The loss of these legends raises pressing questions about how Team USA can remain competitive, especially considering the increasing strength of international teams. Players from around the world are closing the talent gap, with countries like Serbia, France, and Canada emerging as legitimate threats to the United States’ dominance.
International Threats to Team USA
The world’s best players are no longer confined to the United States. Serbia’s Nikola Jokić, who will be 33 in 2028, is widely expected to be one of the top players in the world by then. He has already led his country to silver in previous tournaments and will be a serious threat in future competitions.
Victor Wembanyama of France, at just 20 years old in 2024, showcased his potential by leading France to the gold medal game. By 2028, Wembanyama will only be 24 and, with his continued development, will likely be one of the most dominant players on the planet. If Joel Embiid, who holds citizenship in the U.S., France, and Cameroon, decides to represent France, they could be considered the favorites for the gold medal.
Canada is another nation on the rise. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, at 26 in 2024, will be entering his prime at 30 in 2028. Many believe that by then, he could be an MVP winner and a key player in leading Canada to success. As a result, the 2028 Olympics could witness a battle of the basketball titans, with the U.S. no longer being the uncontested favorite.
The Next Generation of Team USA Stars
Despite the challenges, Team USA still has a wealth of young talent that could rise to the occasion. Players like Devin Booker, Anthony Edwards, and Jayson Tatum are likely to take up the mantle for the 2028 squad. Edwards, in particular, is seen as a player who could emerge as the team’s offensive leader. He will be in his prime by 2028, and with his athleticism and scoring ability, he is poised to become the face of Team USA basketball.
Tatum, who has already established himself as one of the NBA’s premier forwards, will also play a key role. By 2028, he will be a veteran presence on the team, likely serving as its captain. Alongside him will be other key players like Bam Adebayo, Tyrese Haliburton, and Anthony Davis, although Davis’ history of injuries could affect his availability.
However, many are skeptical that this core is strong enough to secure the gold. The 2024 roster, featuring LeBron, Curry, and Durant, faced tough challenges from teams like Serbia and France. The next iteration of Team USA will need not only talent but also cohesion, strong defense, and a strategic approach to overcome the rising international competition.
Projected Additions to the 2028 Roster
In 2028, Team USA will likely feature some new faces, as the current stars will need support from emerging players. Paolo Banchero, who played with Team USA in 2023, is a strong candidate for the 2028 roster. At 25, Banchero will be entering his prime and could serve as a key player in both offensive and defensive roles. Comparisons to LeBron James due to his size and versatility make Banchero a natural fit for Team USA’s future.
Jalen Brunson, who will be 31 in 2028, has already made a name for himself as one of the NBA’s top point guards. His leadership and experience make him a strong candidate to replace Curry as Team USA’s starting point guard. Brunson’s inclusion would provide the team with a reliable floor general, someone who can distribute the ball while also being an offensive threat.
Other players likely to join the roster include Chet Holmgren, Ja Morant, Jalen Brown, and Zion Williamson. Holmgren, a 7-footer with defensive prowess, could be a critical asset in guarding international stars like Wembanyama. Morant, known for his explosiveness and highlight-reel plays, would bring energy and scoring off the bench, much like Anthony Edwards did in the 2024 Olympics. Brown, a versatile two-way player, could fill the role of a defensive specialist, while Williamson, if he can stay healthy, might be an X-factor with his dominant inside presence, similar to Charles Barkley’s role in the 1992 Dream Team.
Building for the Future
Team USA will face its toughest Olympic challenge yet in 2028. With international teams growing stronger and more competitive, simply relying on talent will not be enough. USA Basketball must focus on building a cohesive unit that can play team-oriented basketball, emphasizing defense, ball movement, and versatility.
The core of Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, Devin Booker, and Bam Adebayo will provide a solid foundation, but they will need to be supported by emerging stars like Banchero, Holmgren, and Morant. The United States must also adapt to the international style of play, which emphasizes ball movement and defensive discipline—areas where teams like Serbia and France have excelled.
While winning gold in 2028 will be more challenging than in previous years, it is far from impossible. With the right mix of young talent, leadership, and strategic planning, Team USA has the potential to extend its dominance on the global stage. However, it is clear that the days of easy victories are over, and the world has caught up. For Team USA, the road to gold in 2028 begins now.
