As the basketball world reflects on the unforgettable performance of Team USA in Paris, where legends like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant united to secure the Olympic Gold Medal, attention is already shifting towards the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. With LeBron and Curry confirming they won’t be returning and Durant’s participation in question as he approaches 39, the stage is set for a new generation of stars to lead Team USA.
In 2028, this will likely be Anthony Edwards’ team. The rising star averaged 12.8 points per game on 58% shooting in Paris, positioning himself as the potential face of American basketball by the time the Los Angeles Games roll around. The big question now is: who will join Edwards on Team USA’s roster?
VICTOR WEMBANYAMA WITH A POSTERIZING DUNK!! 🇫🇷🤯
📺 USA Network and Peacock | #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/WtZJIueo8p
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 8, 2024
Likely to Return from Paris:
- Anthony Edwards: Already emerging as a leader.
- Devin Booker: Played crucial minutes and will be 31, fitting the elder statesman role.
- Tyrese Haliburton: A talented guard who may get more opportunities with LeBron and Curry gone.
- Bam Adebayo: A versatile big man likely to return, especially if Erik Spoelstra is still coaching.
Maybe Returns:
- Jayson Tatum: Although frustrated with his role in Paris, he may return with a bigger role in 2028.
- Anthony Davis: A defensive anchor, but his health at 35 will be a concern.
- Joel Embiid: At 34, the question will be whether his body can handle the rigors of another Olympic run.
Locks for Los Angeles:
- Paolo Banchero: Showed he belongs on the international stage during the FIBA World Cup.
- Jalen Brunson: A reliable leader who can fill multiple roles.
- Chet Holmgren: A promising young center who could be key in matching up against international big men like Victor Wembanyama.
- Cooper Flagg: A budding superstar who, after two NBA seasons, might be ready to step onto the Olympic stage.
Names to Watch:
- Zion Williamson: If healthy, he could be a dominant force.
- Jaylen Brown: A versatile player who could easily fit into the roster.
- Ja Morant: His explosive play could be a game-changer.
- Tyrese Maxey: Rising star with potential to solidify a spot.
- Cade Cunningham: Talented and versatile, he might be a better fit at point guard.
- Scottie Barnes, Jalen Suggs, Evan Mobley: Young players whose development over the next four years will determine their Olympic chances.
- Donovan Mitchell, LaMelo Ball: Talented guards who will compete for a spot based on their fit and form leading up to 2028.
STEPH WAS ICE COLD DOWN THE STRETCH. 🥶
Four three-pointers in TWO MINUTES AND 11 SECONDS to close out France for the gold medal. 🥇 #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/2dR7UUE0Hn
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 10, 2024
Who Can Stop Team USA?
The biggest threat to Team USA’s gold medal streak is France. With a roster that could include Victor Wembanyama—who shined in Paris with 26 points and 7 rebounds in the gold medal game—France is building a formidable team. If France’s young guards and wings, like Bilal Coulibaly or future stars Zaccharie Risacher and Alexandre Sarr, develop into elite players, they could provide the perimeter shot creation needed to complement Wembanyama.
Looking ahead, the 2028 Olympics could be one of the most competitive yet, with Team USA needing to bring their A-game to fend off challenges from a stacked French team and other international contenders.
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