Stephen Curry had one of the most iconic Olympic moments in recent history, helping Team USA secure a gold medal by draining four clutch three-pointers in the final minutes of the game against France. Every time France appeared to pose a threat, Curry was there to shut them down. His performance silenced critics, including many, like myself, who had previously questioned his role in the tournament. It was a strong reminder: never doubt Stephen Curry. However, the broader takeaway from the tournament wasn’t just about Curry’s brilliance; it was that Team USA is no longer the overwhelming global basketball powerhouse it once was. Winning gold is no longer a guarantee, and the U.S. had to dig deep to overcome teams like Serbia and France.
As the 2028 Olympic Games approach, one question looms large: Who will lead Team USA into the next era of international basketball dominance? In Paris, the leaders in points, rebounds, and assists were seasoned veterans like Stephen Curry (36 years old), LeBron James (39 years old), and Kevin Durant. While their contributions were crucial in 2024, their advancing age raises doubts about their availability for the next Olympics. In a hard-fought semifinal against Serbia, Curry nearly broke Carmelo Anthony’s U.S. scoring record, while Durant hit a game-clinching shot. Yet, the U.S. barely survived a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter, relying on their veteran core of Curry, Durant, LeBron, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker to pull out the victory.
With 2028 looming, it’s clear that the U.S. will need a fresh generation of stars to step up. Curry, LeBron, and Durant can’t carry the load forever. While they were still playing at a high level in 2024, their presence in 2028 is uncertain. The U.S. will have to develop new leaders capable of delivering in the clutch, just as these veterans did. One emerging threat is France. Since their infamous 2004 Olympic upset, Team USA has gone 36-1 at the Olympics, with their only loss coming at the hands of France during pool play in the Tokyo Games. France is rising fast, boasting five NBA lottery picks over the past two years, including back-to-back number one picks. They didn’t even bring their full arsenal of young talent in 2024, aside from Victor Wembanyama, who could be the best player in the world by 2028.
At 24 years old during the 2028 Olympics, Wembanyama will be in his athletic prime, and if he continues to improve, he could pose a serious challenge to Team USA. Though Wembanyama had 26 points in the 2024 gold medal game, he faltered in key moments. France’s momentum fizzled when Wembanyama missed a crucial three-pointer and a free throw late in the game. In contrast, Curry thrived under pressure, nailing shots when it mattered most. But by 2028, Wembanyama will likely have the poise and experience to deliver in those moments, giving France a legitimate chance to dethrone the U.S.
Looking ahead to the 2028 roster, Team USA must address its aging stars. Dropping players over 30 would leave them with only five returning players from 2024, with seven roster spots to fill. The next generation of stars will have to carry the torch. Ja Morant is an obvious choice, given his explosive talent and dynamic playmaking ability. Cooper Flagg, one of the top young prospects, could fill the role of a two-way wing, a crucial piece for any Olympic roster. Other potential additions include Chet Holmgren, whose height and versatility would make for an intriguing rivalry with Wembanyama on the international stage. Paolo Banchero, who recently flipped his allegiance from Italy to the U.S., would be another valuable addition to the team. His skill set as a wing-forward hybrid would provide versatility on both ends of the court.
Team USA also needs reliable role players who are willing to do the dirty work. Mikal Bridges, Walker Kessler, and Josh Hart are examples of players who could fill this role effectively. However, this leaves out several talented guards like Donovan Mitchell, Jaylen Brunson, De’Aaron Fox, and Trae Young, who would all be worthy of inclusion but might not fit the roster’s needs due to the team already being guard-heavy. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jaylen Brown are other notable omissions, but finding the right mix of talent, size, and experience will be key.
Even with a roster full of NBA All-Stars, winning gold is never easy. As seen in 2024, the U.S. had to battle hard to claim victory. The veterans—LeBron, Curry, and Durant—were crucial in calming down the team during tense moments and delivering when it mattered most. The young stars who step up in 2028 must have a similar ability to handle the pressure, especially when the stakes are high. One player who seems primed for that role is Anthony Edwards. By 2028, he will be 27 years old and in his prime. Edwards has already shown flashes of greatness on the international stage, displaying a fearlessness and confidence reminiscent of past U.S. Olympic heroes like Kobe Bryant. While Edwards may not have a championship pedigree by then, he has the “Mamba mentality” that could make him a go-to option in crunch time.
Of course, the possibility remains that one or more of the old guard could return for one final Olympic run. LeBron James, for instance, might not pass up the chance to compete for gold in Los Angeles, in front of a home crowd. He may still be playing at a high level in 2028, as evidenced by his current performance in the NBA. Kevin Durant, despite battling injuries, could also extend his career and play in the 2028 Games. Durant is still under contract with the Phoenix Suns for two more years, and with an extension, he could stay on the court long enough to make one final Olympic appearance. Anthony Davis, another veteran of the 2024 squad, has been playing some of the best basketball of his career after returning to a more paint-focused style of play. His health has always been a concern, but if he can stay healthy, Davis could be a force for Team USA in 2028.
Ultimately, the 2028 Olympics will pose a unique challenge for Team USA. The rest of the world is catching up, and teams like France are building young, talented rosters that can compete with the U.S. at the highest level. Even with the likes of Curry, LeBron, and Durant playing at their best, the U.S. barely scraped by to win gold in 2024. By 2028, those legends may have retired, leaving the next generation to carry the mantle. Whether they can rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the days of Team USA dominating the Olympic basketball tournament are over. The path to gold in 2028 will be anything but easy.
