NBA · 1 year ago

Predicting the 2028 Team USA Olympic Men’s Basketball Team

Ian Mukundi

Host · Writer

Jalen Williams
Jalen Williams had a strong sophomore season for the Thunder, averaging 19 points on 42.3% shooting from behind the arc. Williams is one of the most versatile young players and is a big reason the Thunder have been so successful, being their second option and secondary playmaker. While this pick is the biggest reach on this list, Williams has the skillset and work ethic to build upon his early start in the league and become a high-level star and glue guy. He can play multiple positions and is able to defend, stretch the floor, rebound, and score efficiently. Jalen will be 27 when the L.A. Games get going, and his game is on the right track to develop into the type of do-it-all wing that every championship team is looking for; he'd be a great piece for Team USA that could slot in any lineup the coaching staff can think of.
A New Era: Predicting the 2028 Team USA Olympic Mens Basketball Team in L.A.
Team USA is in the middle of its quest to bring home its fifth straight Olympic gold medal, but it's never too late to look ahead and envision what the 2028 team could look like and who will be the next 12 players to carry on the program's historic legacy. This list takes into account the players connections with Team USA, as well as where their talent would place them in four years time, there's some old faces, some new entries and maybe some shocking picks. These are way-too-early predictions for the 2028 Team USA Roster at the L.A. Games in 2028.

Follow the Olympics on SportsGrid: Medal Tracker | Every USA Medalist | USA Medals by Sport | Every Gold in Paris
Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards is a shoo-in for the 2028 Olympic Roster, and given his rising popularity, he'll likely be the face of the team. Edwards is one of the most exciting players in the NBA and is coming into his own, having just turned 23. With four more seasons under his belt, Edwards should be entering his athletic prime and will have all the talent and charisma to lead the U.S. team. Edwards has been a significant contributor to the 2024 team in Paris. The experience should put him in a great position to be the number one option on the team he joked about before the start of this Olympic run.
Devin Booker
Devin Booker is virtually a lock for the 2028 roster, having been a member of the 2020 and 2024 teams, and should still be a high-level player at 31 years old. Booker has been one of the NBA's premiere guards over the last five years; he should be entering the twilight of his prime during the L.A. Games and will be one of the team's primary perimeter threats and scorers. The four-time All-Star has averaged 27 points over his last three seasons, and there's no reason those numbers should drastically decline, which all but assures Booker to be a part of his third straight gold medal (assuming Team USA gets it done in Paris).
Bam Adebayo
Bam Adebayo has been an excellent piece for Team USA during the Paris Games, with his ability to anchor the defense and knock down the long shot thanks to the shortened three-point line. Adebayo is starting to come into his own as the face of the Miami Heat and will still be in his prime at 31 years old during the L.A. Games. Adebayo would be a big part of this team's defensive identity and would be a seasoned Olympic veteran in what would be his third Olympic run.
Cooper Flagg
Cooper Flagg is the only player on this list who isn't already in the NBA, but the 18-year-old prospect is just that good. Flagg is the projected number-one pick in next year's NBA Draft and looks to be the next great American talent. The incumbent Duke freshman is a walking highlight reel and already showcases the tools to be a terrific shot blocker at the next level; Flagg was named the 2024 National High School Player of the Year and led his team to a perfect 34-0 record and championship. The L.A. Games would be happening at the end of Flagg's third NBA season, and at 21 years old, he should be in a position to learn from the NBA's best while helping push for a gold medal in an experience that should give his young career a considerable boost. Flagg was a member of the 2024 US Select Team and had a great performance against the 2024 Olympic Team.
Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis is the perfect player for Olympic Basketball. He can switch and defend multiple positions, understands the different goaltending rules, and rebounds at a high level. At 35 years old, Davis would be the oldest player on this hypothetical 2028 roster, and with Los Angeles hosting the 2028 Games, there's a very good shot A.D. would suit up one last time to represent his country and the city he won a championship with. Davis is also familiar with Team USA, representing them in 2012 and 2024. Alongside the two other big men on this roster, Davis would help shore up the front court while bringing veteran experience to a team looking to continue Team USA's legacy.
Ja Morant
Ja Morant is near the top of the must-watch list anytime he's healthy and is set for a major bounce-back season after missing most of the 2024 NBA season due to his suspension and injuries. With all that behind him, Ja is in a great position to stake his claim for the best point guard in the league, and if he stays on the right track, he will deserve a spot on the 2028 team. Morant would be 28 years old, in his prime, and hopefully more mature over the next four seasons, which is all he needs because his talent is Olympic-worthy. Ja is one of the league's best high-flyers and could even be in contention for the starting guard spot at the L.A. Games if everything goes right.
Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum fits into the same category as Bam Adebayo, Devin Booker, and Anthony Edwards. He's been a member of the last two Olympic teams and is young enough to still be in his prime during the L.A. Games, which will take place months after his 30th birthday. Tatum is an excellent fit, being a big, versatile wing, and could be among the players named captain for this team. Fresh off an NBA championship and hopefully a gold medal, Tatum will look to build upon his recent success over the last few months and parlay that into future success and potentially a third gold medal in L.A.
Paolo Banchero
Paolo Banchero had a breakout season this year, leading the Orlando Magic to playoffs for the first time in his career while being named to his first all-star team at 21 years old. Banchero is a dynamic scorer who can put the ball in the basket from all three levels, and at 6'10, nearly 250 pounds, he's a physical presence on the glass and in transition. Banchero can also handle the ball quite well for a guy his size, which the Team USA staff could greatly use. Banchero would be 25 during the L.A. games and is poised to be in a great position to make his first Olympic team as he's entering his prime. Banchero was a member of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup team and is on the right track to becoming a big part of Team USA Basketball.
Tyrese Haliburton
Tyrese Haliburton blossomed during the 2024 NBA season, leading the league in assists and putting the Indiana Pacers on the map by knocking out the Milwaukee Bucks in the inaugural In-Season Tournament. Haliburton's success continued by getting named a member of Team USA's 2024 Olympic Roster after representing the U.S. in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Despite not getting much playing time during the Paris Games, Haliburton is still learning a lot from the vets on this team, and that experience should help him over the next four years as he continues to flourish and grow his game. He's on track to be one of the great passers of this generation and has improved his scoring, averaging 20 points over his last two seasons. Haliburton will be 28 during the L.A. Games and in his prime, like many others on this list. He would be in contention for that starting point guard spot due to his familiarity with the program and elite ability to run an offense.
Chet Holmgren
Chet Holmgren would enter his prime at 26 in 2028 and could slot in as a fantastic third big man alongside Davis and Adebayo. Standing at 7'1', Holmgren is one of the most unique players in the NBA, as he can protect the rim, knock down long jumpers, and handle the ball. He should be a thoroughly developed player heading into the L.A. Games at the end of his fifth season. Given the way Oklahoma City looks poised to contend over the next several seasons, he could even be a vital part of an NBA championship roster. Chet has represented Team USA in the 2019 U19 FIBA World Cup, winning a gold medal and becoming the tournament MVP.
Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson's inclusion on this roster solely relies on his ability to stay healthy for at least two seasons. Zion is arguably the most dominant interior force since Shaquille O'Neal and is one of the best athletes in the NBA. Still, discipline and injuries over his career have hampered him. When healthy, Zion can wreak havoc inside and appear almost unguardable; he'd be a great fit for Team USA who can use a player that brings as much physicality as Zion. He would be a tough check for any opponent the US would run into, being quicker than most big players and bigger than most quick players that would defend him. Zion will be 28 when the L.A. Games get going and will be a candidate for the roster if he can keep his body and injuries in check.
Jalen Williams
Jalen Williams had a strong sophomore season for the Thunder, averaging 19 points on 42.3% shooting from behind the arc. Williams is one of the most versatile young players and is a big reason the Thunder have been so successful, being their second option and secondary playmaker. While this pick is the biggest reach on this list, Williams has the skillset and work ethic to build upon his early start in the league and become a high-level star and glue guy. He can play multiple positions and is able to defend, stretch the floor, rebound, and score efficiently. Jalen will be 27 when the L.A. Games get going, and his game is on the right track to develop into the type of do-it-all wing that every championship team is looking for; he'd be a great piece for Team USA that could slot in any lineup the coaching staff can think of.
A New Era: Predicting the 2028 Team USA Olympic Mens Basketball Team in L.A.
Team USA is in the middle of its quest to bring home its fifth straight Olympic gold medal, but it's never too late to look ahead and envision what the 2028 team could look like and who will be the next 12 players to carry on the program's historic legacy. This list takes into account the players connections with Team USA, as well as where their talent would place them in four years time, there's some old faces, some new entries and maybe some shocking picks. These are way-too-early predictions for the 2028 Team USA Roster at the L.A. Games in 2028.

Follow the Olympics on SportsGrid: Medal Tracker | Every USA Medalist | USA Medals by Sport | Every Gold in Paris

Predicting the 2028 Team USA Olympic Men’s Basketball Team

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