In what promises to be an exciting new era of young superstars in the world of basketball, there is already speculation about how Team USA’s 2028 Olympic roster could shape up. The planning stages for this monumental event will kick off next NBA season, as USA Basketball head honcho Grant Hill begins the process of compiling a list of potential players. While nothing is set in stone at this early stage, one name that seems like a sure bet is Anthony Edwards.
“I can’t speak on that,” Edwards said. “I can only speak on what I got around my neck right now.”
Looking back at the 2024 gold medal-winning team, it’s clear that certain players like LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant were automatic selections. The dearth of skilled big men also meant that Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid, and Bam Adebayo were easy picks. However, as the 2028 Olympics approach, it’s evident that there will be a changing of the guard due to the inevitable effects of aging on some of these current stars.
With age catching up to many of the familiar faces on the 2024 roster, the hunt is on for the next crop of talent to represent Team USA. The uncertainty of predicting a roster for the 2028 Olympics is underscored by the multitude of variables that could impact selection decisions – injuries, declining skills, unexpected emergence of new stars, and personal choices made by players regarding their summer commitments.
Traditionally, Team USA tends to prioritize experience over youth when it comes to Olympic competition, reserving younger players for the World Cup teams. This means that someone like Cooper Flagg, who impressed during Olympic practice sessions, may have to prove himself on the World Cup stage to earn a place on the 2028 roster.
Here are 12 potential candidates for the 2028 Olympic team, along with their ages at the time of the Los Angeles Games (listed alphabetically by last name):
– Anthony Edwards (29)
– LeBron James (33)
– Steph Curry (30)
– Kevin Durant (29)
– Anthony Davis (35)
– Joel Embiid (34)
– Bam Adebayo (30)
– Cooper Flagg (24)
– [additional potential candidates listed here]
As the countdown to the 2028 Olympics begins, the basketball world eagerly anticipates which new stars will rise to the occasion and carry the torch for Team USA in this upcoming chapter of the sport’s history.
