USA Basketball enters critical transition ahead of 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
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USA Basketball has begun planning for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, where the men’s national team will chase a sixth straight Olympic gold without several of its most prominent veterans.
The roster picture
Kevin Durant, 37, said he intends to seek a spot on the 2028 team, aiming for a record-extending fifth gold medal. LeBron James confirmed he will not return, and Stephen Curry is viewed as unlikely.
Returning contributors from the 2024 gold-medal squad expected to draw strong consideration include Anthony Edwards, Bam Adebayo and Devin Booker. Younger options such as Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Paolo Banchero, Scottie Barnes, Jalen Johnson, Kon Knueppel and 21-year-old rookie Cooper Flagg are also on the radar after impressing in recent USA Basketball programs.
Guard depth could hinge on health and size. Tyrese Haliburton, rehabbing a torn Achilles, is favored for an expanded role if available. Selection officials may have to choose among smaller guards Donovan Mitchell, Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Maxey.
Front-court defense against international stars such as Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic is a focus. Thunder center Chet Holmgren, along with Adebayo and Duren, is viewed as a potential answer. Oklahoma City’s Isaiah Hartenstein, Jalen Williams and Cleveland’s Evan Mobley are also being monitored.
New leadership on the bench
USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill promoted Erik Spoelstra to head coach, replacing Steve Kerr. Spoelstra, part of the 2024 staff, is expected to bring a more intense style, emphasizing ball security and defensive versatility over the 40-minute international format. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue is anticipated to remain on the staff.
Timeline and next steps
The selection process will intensify after the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar, the tournament the United States has not won since 2014. Hill said many players have already expressed interest, but final decisions will not be made until after the 2026-27 NBA season and two subsequent postseasons.
With global challengers narrowing the talent gap and the Games taking place on American soil for the first time since 1996, Hill and Spoelstra face 28 months of critical roster and strategy decisions. Durant, eager to push back against talk of an impending U.S. decline, wants another shot at gold in his home country, provided he can still “help the team win.”
Source: ESPN
