Halcyon’s era of American male basketball players dominating the international stage with gold medals is evolving. Last year’s intense Olympic showdown between Serbia and France highlighted the growing importance of strategic roster building for Team USA. Simply assembling the 12 best players is no longer enough; the team’s chemistry and basketball fit must align, leading to tough decisions. It’s been a year since Team USA claimed Olympic gold, and as the 2028 Games approach in Los Angeles, the Americans aim to defend their title.
USA Basketball Managing Director Grant Hill will have the final say on the 2028 roster, though input from his coaching staff will heavily influence decisions. Hill is no longer the head coach and may be succeeded by one of his assistants—such as Miami Heat’s Erik Spoelstra, Los Angeles Clippers’ Tyronn Lue, or Gonzaga’s Mark Few—or new faces may join the coaching team. Hosting the 2028 Games in LA should ease player participation due to reduced travel and jet lag, but challenges remain, especially as key stars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry may no longer be active in the NBA by then. Although it’s assumed these legends will play in the final Olympics, a generational shift is expected by 2028. Curry’s remarkable 2024 performance will be remembered as the pinnacle of an era that clinched five consecutive Olympic gold medals.
With the legends potentially stepping aside, here is a projected list of 12 players poised to lead Team USA in 2028:
| Player | Position | Age in 2028 |
|---|---|---|
| Bam Adebayo | C | 31 |
| Paolo Banchero | F | 25 |
| Devin Booker | G | 31 |
| Jalen Brunson | G | 31 |
| Kade Cunningham | G | 26 |
| Anthony Davis | F | 35 |
| Anthony Edwards | G | 27 |
| Joel Embiid | C | 34 |
| Tyrese Haliburton | G | 28 |
| Donovan Mitchell | G | 31 |
| Jayson Tatum | F | 30 |
| Jalen Williams | F | 27 |
Returning Core Players:
Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves) – At 27 in 2028, Edwards has already proven himself with two All-NBA selections and leading his team to consecutive conference finals. Making him a cornerstone of Team USA’s future is a logical choice given his Olympic debut performance with efficient scoring and shooting.
Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics) – If he recovers well from Achilles surgery, Tatum is expected to make his third Olympic appearance at age 30 in 2028, becoming a veteran leader. Though he saw limited action in Paris, his role would likely expand by LA.
Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns) – Also expected to have three straight Olympic appearances, Booker’s scoring ability and international experience make him a vital candidate with consistent performances on the world stage.
Anthony Davis (Dallas Mavericks) – Having been a key contributor in past Olympic gold medal campaigns, Davis’s skills as a dominant big man on both ends of the floor remain invaluable even as he nears 35.
Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat) – A versatile big man with rim protection and playmaking skills, Adebayo could take on a larger role if he continues to develop offensively.
Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers) – Despite a limited statistical contribution at Paris due to injury, Haliburton’s leadership and basketball IQ are recognized assets that could elevate his role if he recovers fully from his Achilles injury.
- Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers) – If healthy, Embiid’s dominance and defensive presence make him a near-lock for the roster at age 34, capable of influencing games significantly.
Emerging Talent:
Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks) – After missing the 2024 roster, Brunson is expected to fill the vacancy left by Curry with his scoring and defensive capabilities, having earned gold at youth and World Cup levels.
Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic) – His decision to decline playing for Italy and impressive NBA stats position him as a likely 2028 Olympian, especially with improved three-point shooting.
Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder) – An All-NBA third team player, Williams’s versatility and ability to complement stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander make him a strong candidate for his first Olympics.
Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers) – Despite no prior Olympic appearances, Mitchell’s scoring and willingness to prioritize team success could earn him a spot to fill the void left by aging stars.
- Kade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons) – At 26, Cunningham’s size, strength, and playmaking poise him well to break into the Olympic roster and make a significant impact.
Notable Radar Players: Evan Mobley, Jalen Brown, Cooper Flagg, Amen Thompson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, Jalen Jackson Jr., Ja Morant, Zion Williamson, Trae Young, Tyrese Maxey, LaMelo Ball, Tyler Herro, De’Aaron Fox, Brandon Miller.
Players Likely Cut Since 2024: LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White.
Fan Take: The transition from the golden era of James, Curry, and Durant to a new generation presents an exhilarating chapter for basketball fans. As fresh talents rise and Team USA adapts, the 2028 Olympics could showcase a dynamic blend of youth and experience, shaping the future of international basketball excitement.
