Team USA 2028 Olympic Basketball Roster Prediction: Edwards, Brunson Headline

The era when American male hoopsters easily seized international gold is bygone, and the prior year’s intense Olympic clashes with Serbia and France highlighted the significance of squad construction for Team USA. Assembling a random mix of the finest dozen athletes isn’t viable anymore; the pairings must be logical from a hoops standpoint, potentially leading to tough choices. A year has elapsed since Team USA secured gold, and in three years, the Americans will aim to retain their gold in Los Angeles.

Grant Hill, the managing director for USA Basketball, has ultimate say over the 2028 lineup, but he’ll undoubtedly consider insights from his coaching group, likely not headed by Steve Kerr, who stated post-Paris that he’d step down as Team USA’s head coach. Whether replaced by an assistant (Erik Spoelstra of Miami Heat, Tyronn Lue of Los Angeles Clippers, Mark Few of Gonzaga) or a new face, they’ll face the challenge of selecting the ideal blend of stars who possess both the talent and mindset to succeed on the global scene.

The 2028 games should be somewhat easier to promote to athletes, given their L.A. location, avoiding lengthy travels and jetlag typical of Olympic trips. However, a challenge exists as icons like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry might not even be active NBA players by then, much less capable of guiding Team USA to gold. James and Curry have almost dismissed a 2028 return, while Durant has hinted at the possibility. For our discussion, let’s suppose all three legends have concluded their Olympic stints.

In that scenario, we’ll witness a transition to the upcoming generation in 2028, with Curry’s stellar 2024 showing as the apex of a remarkable period in American hoops, marked by five consecutive Olympic gold medals. 

With those legends absent, let’s examine a probable 12-member squad to carry the mantle in 2028 and analyze each selection.

Projected 2028 Team USA Olympic basketball roster

The holdovers

Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

• Age in 2028: 27
• Olympic appearances: 2024

Investing in Edwards as the potential leading figure of American basketball is wise, given that the 24-year-old has already earned two All-NBA distinctions and guided the Wolves to successive conference finals berths. He made a splash in his initial Olympic showing last year, averaging 13 points in 16 minutes nightly, shooting 58% from the field and 48% from beyond the arc. While nothing is definitive, it’d be quite astonishing to see Edwards absent from the 2028 list.

Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

• Age in 2028: 30
• Olympic appearances : 2020, 2024

Assuming a successful recovery from Achilles surgery, Tatum is an obvious pick for a third consecutive Olympic presence. At 30 in 2028, he’ll stand as a leader in experience and achievements. Notably, Tatum didn’t receive extensive playing time from Kerr in Paris, logging DNPs in a couple of games, a situation unlikely to repeat in Los Angeles.

Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns

• Age in 2028: 31
• Olympic appearances: 2020, 2024

Booker is also practically assured of a third straight Olympic team selection, as the prolific scorer has a well-established record on the international stage. In Paris, he posted 12 points, three rebounds, and three assists, with impressive 57/57/78 shooting percentages, cementing his position as a crucial team member. It’s challenging to envision Booker jeopardizing his spot on the 2028 squad.

Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks

• Age in 2028: 35
• Olympic appearances: 2012, 2024

Davis has been an integral part of Team USA for over a decade, clinching gold medals in all three events he’s participated in (2012 and 2024 Olympics, 2014 World Cup). He perfectly fits the team’s requirements, as few bigs can perform as he does on both ends. During the Paris stint, he averaged eight points, seven rebounds, two assists, and 1.5 blocks, while shooting 63% from the field. Though older by 2028, his health would almost guarantee another Olympic appearance.

Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat

• Age in 2028: 31
• Olympic appearances: 2020, 2024

Similar to Davis, Adebayo embodies the contemporary big. He can defend positions one through five, protect the rim, and score. Adebayo also offers playmaking skills rare among NBA centers, making him suitable for nearly any lineup. Enhancing his offensive game with greater responsibility could lead to a bigger role in Los Angeles than in his prior Olympic appearances.

Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers

• Age in 2028: 28
• Olympic appearances: 2024

Haliburton humorously downplayed his statistical impact on the Paris gold, but his leadership, energy, and hoops IQ are undeniable. 

He participated in only three of six summer games, averaging three points over nine minutes. This isn’t likely to persist in 2028, assuming Haliburton recovers from his Achilles injury in Game 7 of June’s NBA Finals. He might even start in Los Angeles, with his unselfishness enhancing the immense talent around him.

Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

• Age in 2028: 34
• Olympic appearances: 2024

Optimistically, Embiid will be fit enough to help Team USA in 2028. He played a key role in Paris, particularly in the fourth-quarter comeback against Serbia in the semifinal.

No one can effectively defend a healthy Embiid. Despite potential limitations from wear, his sheer potential warrants another roster spot.

The new blood

Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks

• Age in 2028: 31
• Olympic appearances: None

Brunson was “high on the list” for the 2024 Olympic team, according to Kerr, yet didn’t make the cut. This is unlikely in 2028, where he should seamlessly fill Curry’s guard position. Brunson has evolved into a top-tier scoring guard. Despite his size, his tenacity and intellect should aid him defensively on the international stage. Though without an Olympic appearance, Brunson secured gold with the U18 and U19 Team USA squads and contributed significantly to the 2023 World Cup team.

Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

• Age in 2028: 25
• Olympic appearances: None

Banchero caused a stir by opting out of playing for Team Italy in 2023, later joining the Americans at the World Cup. The 6-foot-10 forward significantly improved in his third NBA season, averaging 26 points, 7.5 rebounds, and five assists as the Magic’s key offensive player, with more room to grow. Given his unique skills for his stature, he appears ideal for the 2028 Olympic roster, especially if his 3-point consistency increases.

Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder

• Age in 2028: 27
• Olympic appearances: None

Williams, a performer on both the All-NBA and All-Defensive teams after merely three NBA seasons, delivers the optimal mix of skill and versatility for the Team USA unit. He’s showcased the capacity to perform in tandem with a true luminary such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, discerning when to facilitate and when to seize control. The subsequent campaigns will enable even more advancement, ensuring a strong likelihood of earning a debut Olympic Games berth in Los Angeles.

Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers

• Age in 2028: 31
• Olympic appearances: None

That Mitchell has never been named to an Olympic squad is astounding, particularly considering his avowed aspiration to “play for Team USA.” Sadly, the seventh-place finish at the 2019 World Cup is his sole remembrance. A chance at recompense exists in 2028, since Team USA will need to account for the offensive gap left by James, Curry, and possibly Durant. The All-NBA first-teamer posted 24 points and five assists for the Cavs last campaign, simultaneously signaling a willingness to curb individual metrics to enhance winning — exactly the demeanor needed in his inaugural Olympic presence.

Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons

• Age in 2028: 26
• Olympic appearances: None

As a point guard standing 6-foot-6 with corresponding brawn, Cunningham is merely starting to showcase his capabilities. Projecting his prowess in a three-year outlook, passing on him for an Olympic spot would be difficult. The knack for contributing while operating on or off-ball will become a crucial asset, in tandem with his ability to set up colleagues alongside generating his own offense. Cunningham has earned gold with Team USA during the U19 FIBA World Cup. The opportune moment for his formal introduction to the Olympic scene seems primed for 2028.

On the radar: Evan Mobley, Jaylen Brown, Cooper Flagg, Amen Thompson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, Jaren Jackson Jr., Ja Morant, Zion Williamson, Trae Young, Tyrese Maxey, LaMelo Ball, Tyler Herro, De’Aaron Fox, Brandon Miller, Trey Murphy III

Cuts from 2024: LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White