The 2028 Olympics take place on home soil in sunny Los Angeles, California and will be one of the hottest tickets at the games. The home-court advantage will be bonkers (think: Team France playing in Paris). Most of the much heralded 2024 team will be long in the tooth and not involved in LA, so a major reshuffle/refresh will be necessary. For the construction of this team, I broke it down into 4 sub-categories: Guard, Forward, Center and Wildcard and chose 3 players per category. My focus, in constructing this team, lay in positional versatility, size & length, 3-point shooting and an unselfish/team-oriented mindset.

• Anthony Edwards (SG) – Ant will be the face of Team USA ’28 after being so involved in Paris. His ultra-competitiveness and fearlessness are big factors in his ascent. He was able to witness firsthand what it took to win a gold medal and, hopefully, internalized those lessons in an effort to better his own game and leadership qualities.
• Devin Booker (SG) – Will be asked to be the sniper, similar to Steph Curry, in addition to handling play-making and leadership duties.
• Cade Cunningham (PG) – Fills the primary ball-handler and distributor role. A good rebounder, for his position, and has the size to overwhelm a smaller point guard, if properly engaged on defense. He will need to improve his 3-point shot over the next couple of years.
• Paolo Banchero (PF) – Has the size and skill to become one of the most potent scorers on the planet, needs to keep improving on defense.
• Zion Williamson (PF) – One of the most unique players, but has issues with health. Would be the strongest player on the team, as well as the best post-scorer and most active rebounder.
• Mikal Bridges (SF) – Another lengthy wing defender, who’s a sharpshooter from distance. He’ll find shot’s within the flow of the offense, while still providing an excellent defensive presence.
• Jaren Jackson Jr. (C) – A ridiculous shot-blocker, who would thrive in FIBA rules, and has stretch-5 ability. Needs to rebound at a slightly higher rate.
• Donte DiVincenzo (SG) – Need a Jrue Holiday/Derrick White type of player, who doesn’t need the ball or regular shots, but will play solid defense, rebound, space the floor and lay his body on the line.
• Chet Holmgren (C/PF) – Should look at what Anthony Davis brought to the ’24 team and replicate it. Chet has the defensive instincts to patrol the paint and block or affect shots in a similar manner. He also has the athleticism to step out and switch onto a smaller player. His shooting has the potential to open up driving lanes for the slashers on the team.
• Cooper Flagg (PF) – He’s already shown he can play at an international level, while playing for the US at the 2022 FIBA under-17 Basketball World Cup, where he was named to the All-Tournament team after a string of strong performances. Even crazier, he was invited to Las Vegas to practice and scrimmage with the 2024 Olympic team, prior to their departure and, reportedly, held his own. A lot is riding on this kids’ shoulders, as the next great American basketball player. Any gametime or role would be great for his development.
• Jalen Williams (SG) – An intense, lengthy perimeter defender, with fast, quick hands, athleticism to match and 3-level scoring ability. Another guy who wants to win above all else and will contribute whatever he can to the cause, even if he isn’t scoring. He’ll find a way to make an impact on both ends of the court.
• Dereck Lively II (C) – Size is a bit of a problem for Team USA, especially going against Victor Wembanyama (France) and Nikola Jokić (Serbia). Lively is an energetic 7-footer, who proved in the NBA playoffs he can defend the post, block shots, rebound and switch onto a smaller man. At the time of writing, he doesn’t have much of an offensive game to speak about other than in the pick-and-roll as a dunker. But, on a team with Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, he doesn’t need to evolve further than that. Maybe that role will perfectly translate to Team USA.

Other players under strong consideration:

• Jayson Tatum (SF) – Mostly left off due to recency bias, as he was awful at the Paris Olympics. With all the top-level scoring talent leaving there’s a strong chance he will be recalled. Maybe a bit too ball-dominate and reliant on iso-heavy moves to generate offense. Would like to see him work on his catch-and-shoot game.
• Desmond Bane (SG) – If Team USA wants to add more shooting, perimeter defense and play-making then Bane should get the call. Would be the 2nd strongest player on Team USA.
• Ja Morant (PG) – One of the most electrifying guards in all of the NBA, who can finish over or through just about anyone, and make any type of pass. He would normally be a lock, but off the floor concerns have popped up in recent years. If he could stay out of trouble, rehabilitate his image on the basketball court and remain healthy, then maybe he will get a try-out.
• Bam Adebayo (PF) – Played well in the group stage in Paris, but cooled off in the knockout stage. Impressed with his defense, rebounding and ball-handling. Just edged out by JJJ due to his 3-point shooting.
• Evan Mobley (PF) – Similar skillset and body type to Chet Holmgren, didn’t want too much overlap within the roster.
• Naz Reid (C) – The current 6th man of the year brings energy, rebounding, defense and shooting, just a little undersized.
• A.J. Dybantsa (SF) – The other prospect who might be the next great American talent. A 6-ft 8-in wing who possesses next-level athleticism and scoring ability.

While not as thoroughly talented as the 2024 version, who had the ability to field multiple surefire hall-of-famers in the starting lineup and off the bench. The imaginary 2028 team is less about stars and more about cohesion, with players who aren’t necessarily known for their scoring, but more about how they impact winning.

It feels like the rest of the world is catching up with the United States in basketball. Many of the top NBA players are now born outside of the USA. The game has truly gone global. This just means the field will be that much harder, and full of talent from all corners of the globe. Maybe Team USA will have to dig deep, like they did against Serbia, more than once. Which would only enhance the sport and draw in new fans. Either way, it’ll be fun to follow over the next couple of years and see how this next generation of American hoopers come together to defend the crown.