Team USA's men's basketball team once again showed their dominance on the global stage by securing the gold medal against France at the 2024 Paris Games. This victory reaffirms the United States' historical strength in basketball, but as the games wrapped up, the focus began to shift to the future and the next Olympic cycle leading to Los Angeles in 2028.
Building the 2028 Roster
The anticipation for the 2028 Olympics has already started to build, not just because Los Angeles will be the host city, but also due to the new team lineup coming into focus. Erik Spoelstra, well-regarded for his championship pedigree with the Miami Heat, has been selected as the head coach for Team USA. The decision places Spoelstra at the helm of a promising group of athletes, anticipated to lead the charge on home soil.
Guard Positions: Youth and Talent
The backcourt for the 2028 team is expected to be electrifying, with Tyrese Haliburton and Jalen Brunson stepping in as the primary point guards. Their selection signals a blend of youthful energy and capable playmaking. Complementing them at the shooting guard position will be Anthony Edwards, whose offensive prowess and athleticism have caught the eye of many in the basketball world.
In a notable decision, Devin Booker has been selected over Donovan Mitchell for the roster. Booker’s scoring capabilities and experience will be invaluable assets in their quest for gold. Meanwhile, Jalen Suggs and Jalen Williams stand out as key figures, showcasing strong shooting performances. Suggs shot 39.7% on 5.1 attempts per game last season, while Williams made an impressive 48.7% of his wide-open 3-point attempts.
Frontcourt Strength: Size and Skill
The frontcourt is poised to be formidable with Zion Williamson and Chet Holmgren securing spots as the starting power forward and center, respectively. Williamson’s physicality and scoring inside the paint, coupled with Holmgren’s length and shot-blocking abilities, promise to make them a deadly duo.
Bam Adebayo adds another layer of defense, rebounding, and playmaking ability to the team. His selection underscores Team USA's commitment to maintaining a strong defensive presence as they compete on the international stage.
High Expectations and Star Power
Steve Kerr, who coached the 2024 squad to victory, succinctly captured the sentiment surrounding the team. "People ask, 'What position does he play?' He plays winner," Kerr said, indicating the high expectations and versatile skill sets of the athletes chosen.
Challenges and Absences
Not everything has been smooth sailing for Team USA. The path to assembling this team has involved difficult decisions and overcoming challenges. For instance, Jayson Tatum was omitted from both games against Serbia in 2024, leading to questions about player rotations and strategic choices. Serbia, on the other hand, struggled in critical moments, faltering from deep in the decisive fourth quarter against Team USA.
Joel Embiid’s absence against South Sudan in 2024 raised eyebrows, underscoring the unpredictable nature of international competition where player availability can heavily influence outcomes.
Mikal Bridges also had a noteworthy performance at the 2023 World Cup, making over half of his 3-point attempts, an encouraging statistic as he remains an essential piece of the puzzle for the upcoming 2028 roster.
Looking Forward to 2028
The excitement building around the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles is palpable. With an established head coach like Erik Spoelstra and a roster brimming with talent and versatility, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in Team USA's storied basketball history. As players and coaches prepare for the journey ahead, fans worldwide are eager to see this promising lineup live up to its lofty potential on home ground.