Wow! So that’s what it feels like to root for Steph Curry. After two weeks of watching US basketball, the men’s team left Paris with the gold.
US basketball had a “Big Three” comprised of Curry, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James. All of them will be incredibly old when Los Angeles 2028 rolls around in four years.
This team that the US brought had seven players in their thirties. This means half the team may need to be replaced in four years.
If we assume the same composition of the team, (six guards, three wings, and three centers) US basketball will look a lot different in four years.
As we discovered this time, the team is not comprised of the best twelve players, (cough, cough Jaylen Brown) and just because you’re a star for your team doesn’t guarantee you minutes (cough cough Jayson Tatum).
Here are the twelve players, in the category of how likely it’ll be on the team. If I listed everyone who could be on the team, then this article would be a two-day read.
The Locks
These are the players I am certain will be representing US basketball in the summer of 2028. This is because they were on this year’s team and will still be in their prime in four years. Furthermore, they fit what US basketball wants in players; teamwork, knowing your role, and/or star power.
Devin Booker-31 in 2028
Did anyone boost their stock more than Devin Booker in these Olympics? It seemed that no one was more unselfish and comfortable in their role than Booker. Did we need ball pressure? Check. Can you hit an open three? Check.
Booker will be 31 and still in his prime and should be one of the veteran leaders and faces of our team in Los Angeles.
Anthony Edwards-27 in 2028
I just mentioned that Booker will be one of the faces of US basketball in 2028. Anthony Edwards could be THE face of our team in LA. Smack dab in the middle of his prime Edwards will be at his physical peak. His three-point shot will only increase with the amount of work he puts into it.
Edwards may be an MVP, a finals MVP, and the President. Okay, maybe not the last one, but Edwards could be the most well-known basketball player in America in four years.
Tyrese Haliburton-27 in 2028
Tyrese Haliburton was incredibly content with not playing in these Olympics. Both Haliburton and US basketball understood that his inclusion was as much for the next Olympics as it was for this one. Haliburton should be the primary playmaker in LA.
Also, Haliburton is an ultimate team player. Look at the decisions made by US basketball in this cycle. Kicking Kawhi Leonard off the team. Not picking Jaylen Brown or Jalen Brunson due to how much game time they’d receive and how happy they’d be about it. US basketball values buy-in and teamwork, something that not all NBA players have, but Haliburton does.
The “Should-Be’s”
These are the players who should be on the team. Despite this, I do think there could be a reason or two why they don’t end up making the US basketball team in 2028.
Jayson Tatum-30 in 2028
If I told you six months ago that Jayson Tatum won the NBA finals and an Olympic gold medal you’d think he’d have had a bigger role on both teams. He didn’t. Tatum shot 28% from three and 42% from the field in these past playoffs.
Is it possible he’s just tired? He’s been to the conference finals in four of the last five seasons. But he’s only 26, he should be able to handle it. Maybe it’s a mental thing with him and the constant talk of being top-five and then being passed by others put him in a weird headspace. Tatum should be on the team in LA, but he’s had an odd six months.
Bam Adebayo-31 in 2028
When it comes to FIBA basketball, Bam Adebayo is a bit limited offensively. He can’t shoot, even with the three-point line closer. He doesn’t have an incredible offensive skill game. At 6-9, he can’t just overpower anyone.
He should be on the team because he is an incredible on-ball defender. His passing for a big man is invaluable to a team that will lack in the playmaking category.
Chet Holmgren-26 in 2028
Has any player ever sounded more suited to be an Olympic big man for US basketball? Shoots well from three, is a seven-footer, and will block three shots a game. I thought about putting Chet down as a lock. The only reason I didn’t was because of the injuries. He missed his rookie season due to a torn ACL. Despite this, he played all 82 games last season.
Dereck Lively-24 in 2028
This may seem out there, but hear me out. Lively is an incredible role player, as he showed in his rookie season. He’s got an incredible motor and changes games every time he’s in them. He’d also be okay with not playing that much on this team.
We will need all the size we can get come 2028. Lively provides this, plus an incredible feel for the game. He’s a team player and will automatically buy into the team.
Maybe
These guys are maybes. They will be on the team, but conditions have to be met first. The talent is undeniable (like everyone else), but for one reason or another, there’s a reservation.
Jaylen Brown-31 in 2028
Is it too late to say sorry? Jaylen Brown thought because he wasn’t a Nike athlete, he wasn’t on the team. He seemed to not be thrilled with his omission after Kawhi Leonard was booted off the team and he wasn’t the replacement.
A lot can happen in four years and the wounds of this cycle will heal. There’s no guarantee that Grant Hill is leading US basketball and Steve Kerr is the coach. Brown will also be fired up to represent his country on home soil.
Jalen Brunson-31 in 2028
Brunson turns 28 at the end of August, but regardless, the next four years will be interesting for Brunson. If in any of those years, he wins the championship with the Knicks, he’s an absolute lock for US basketball. Brunson would be the most popular player on the second-most supported team.
The only hangup I have with Brunson is he’s undersized and not a great defender. This isn’t a combo for FIBA basketball. Brunson would have to be on the floor with a lot of size. Despite this Brunson has made strides as a playmaker and three-point shooter which does translate great to FIBA.
Wild Cards
A wild card is players who I think could be on the team despite the fact people won’t consider them as obvious candidates. They aren’t classified as “hail marys” because that would insinuate that they are coming out of nowhere.
Paolo Banchero-25 in 2028
Talent-wise, I wanted to put Banchero as a lock. Banchero has taken massive strides as a playmaker and three-point shooter. Assuming his skills progress linearly Banchero would be an easy pick.
The reservations I have with him aren’t about him. The only possible case he doesn’t make the team is that others have fulfilled their potential more than him. I’m thinking about Zion making the number one player in the league jump we thought he would. Or a guy like Ja Morant finally being the player we thought he’d be two years ago.
Cooper Flagg– 21 in 2028
One might say that THIS is a Hail Mary pick, but I disagree. Cooper Flagg will begin his Freshman year at Duke soon, but he’s already made an impact on US basketball. Before US basketball began their quest for gold they invited a select team made up of young NBA players to scrimmage against them in Las Vegas. Flagg, at 17, was the youngest.
He stole the show. Flagg is 6’9 with an impressive skill set of creative pullups and hard drives to the basket. His handles and IQ stand out when you watch his YouTube highlights. Every team needs their “Tyrese Haliburton, who doesn’t play” and Flagg will have finished his third season in the NBA and would be happy to be on the team.
Zinedine Zidane 06’ World Cup
In 2006 French soccer icon Zinedine Zidan came out of retirement and helped France reach the final of the 2006 World Cup. You probably can see where this is going.
LeBron James-43 in 2028
You can already see how this happens, can’t you? James retires in 2026 or even 2027, but as the Olympics nears there starts to be some buzz. Maybe a Woj or Shams report in January 2028 that James is training at a high level and after a year out of the game feels like he can give US basketball one more shot.
How exciting would it be for fans to see LeBron compete for something real in his adopted hometown? I know it seems like a stretch, but US basketball brought a 42-year-old Diana Taurasi to Paris, and LeBron would only be one year older than her.
If you enjoyed, “Predicting The Men’s US Basketball Team At LA 2028,” please check out Belly Up Sports and follow me on Twitter/X @nikgable37
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