Imagine it’s a warm July evening in Los Angeles, 2028. The Intuit Dome in Inglewood is buzzing as it prepares to host the men’s basketball gold medal match. The closing ceremony is just a day away.
The arena is alive with a sea of red, white, and blue. Fans are electric, ready to create an intimidating atmosphere for Team USA’s rivals. Celebrities are seated courtside, adding a touch of glamour to the occasion.
So, who will be the players stepping onto the court for the United States?
That’s a tough decision for Team USA Managing Director Grant Hill. We’ve got the head coach sorted out—Miami Heat’s Erik Spoelstra will take over from Steve Kerr. As the reigning Olympic champions gear up for 2028, they’ll need to bring not just talent but the toughness required to win gold, especially on home turf.
Here are our predictions for the Olympic men’s basketball roster two years out.
Tier 1: Likely Locks for the Team
These players seem set to be the backbone of the squad. Unless something drastic happens, it’s hard to see them not making it.
- Anthony Edwards
- Jayson Tatum
- Tyrese Haliburton
- Cooper Flagg
- Bam Adebayo
At 26, Edwards is entering his prime. He’ll be one to watch in Paris in 2024, learning from legends like LeBron James and Stephen Curry. He’s in a position to lead, but, well, global competition is heating up.
Haliburton also seems like a solid pick, assuming he’s back to full health. He was part of the 2024 roster and famously tweeted about not playing while still getting a medal—something like, “When you can ace it without contributing.” Based on his recent playoff performance with the Pacers, he’s the type of playmaker Team USA will need. Currently recovering from an Achilles injury, he should be back to form soon.
Tatum, too, is bouncing back from a torn Achilles and is expected to join the team. Flagg represents the new generation, while Adebayo continues to be a strong presence for the Miami Heat. Spoelstra will definitely be in the mix.
Tier 2: Most Probable Additions
These athletes fit well into the Olympic scheme:
- Chet Holmgren
- Jaylen Williams
- Scotty Burns
- Cade Cunningham
- Con Knuppel
- Amen Thompson
Holmgren’s rim protection could be essential, particularly against strong players like France’s Victor Wembanyama. He’s faced him before as a member of the Thunder.
Williams can handle tough games in the medal rounds and alongside Burns and Thompson, they could create a defense that would put pressure on advanced teams. Cunningham has the potential to be an MVP, and Knuppel is making a name for himself as a rookie who can shoot the three-pointer.
Tier 3: Possible Contenders
Competition is fierce for these potential players:
- Devin Booker
- Jaylen Brown
- Jaylen Duren
- Evan Mobley
- Tyrese Maxey
- Paolo Banchero
- Jaren Jackson Jr.
- Jalen Brunson
- Austin Reeves
- Walker Kessler
- Brandon Ingram
Booker has the credentials, but even the best face the test of time. Brown is a strong candidate, though lingering feelings from being snubbed in 2024 could affect his decision. Duren’s rebounding will be vital against tough Euro opponents, and Mobley is a standout but might vie for a similar role as Holmgren. Maxey could be a scoring spark, while Banchero’s mix of size and skill makes him appealing.
Though 2027’s FIBA tournament might not feature all potential Olympic members, the roster will likely hint at those making the dream team in 2028.
Changes in this demographic could happen as quickly as the next few years, though.
Tier 4: Emerging Stars
These names haven’t been widely recognized yet:
- AJ Divanza
- Darrin Peterson
- Cameron Boozer
These promising players are on track for top picks in the 2026 NBA Draft. By 2028, some might find a way onto the Olympic roster, just like Flagg and Knuppel are doing this year.
Tier 5: Aging Legends and Longshots
Respect is due, but time is relentless.
- Steph Curry
- LeBron James
- Kevin Durant
- Kawhi Leonard
- Anthony Davis
Is it possible one of these legends could score a farewell slot on the team? Probably. Durant, eternally focused on the NBA, has expressed a desire to keep playing even into his 40s. James finishing his Olympic journey in Los Angeles would be quite the story, yet he’ll be almost 43 by then and plans to retire. Curry seems to feel similarly. If Leonard and Davis maintain their high level of play, they might secure a spot.
But nostalgia doesn’t win medals; it’s about depth, youth, and solid defense.
If the games were to happen tomorrow, here’s what our finalized 12-man roster might look like:
Proposed Final 12
- Tyrese Haliburton
- Anthony Edwards
- Con Knuppel
- Cade Cunningham
- Jayson Tatum
- Cooper Flagg
- Jaylen Williams
- Scotty Burns
- Amen Thompson
- Chet Holmgren
- Bam Adebayo
- Jaylen Duren
This lineup showcases nine perimeter players, balancing pace, length, shooting, and switching capabilities. They would manage to protect themselves against formidable foes, like Nikola Jokic from the French side.
Ultimately, should they need to perform under the immense pressure of winning gold in Los Angeles, this group seems well equipped for the challenge. Each mistake will be magnified, and every spectacular play will echo through the venue.
Of course, two years is a long time in basketball. Player trajectories can flip. Injuries might arise. Someone might rise to brilliance while another’s performance declines.
Yet, if the Olympics were indeed tomorrow, I’d confidently put my money on this squad to take home the gold.
