In 2024, a Team USA roster brimming with NBA superstars, key contributors, rising talents, and legends endured two nail-biting contests—a 95-91 victory against a Nikola Jokic-led Serbian team and a grueling 98-87 triumph over the home team France—to capture the Olympic gold medal.
yet, while 22-year-old Victor Wembanyama has declared his intentions for revenge after falling short in his hometown of Paris, and 31-year-old Jokic likely shares similar sentiments after Serbia claimed the bronze, it seems that the veteran cohort of USA Basketball won’t reconvene for a sixth straight gold chase.
At least not completely.
Kevin Durant, the all-time leading scorer for the United States men’s basketball team, informed ESPN earlier this month of his desire to return for another Olympic stint in 2028. The 37-year-old forward, who secured an Olympic-record fourth gold medal in 2024, refuted claims that Paris marked his final chapter.
“Where does this last dance narrative come from?” Durant questioned. “I didn’t state that I wasn’t playing. LeBron [James] said he wasn’t. You didn’t hear that from me or Steph [Curry].”
While it seems improbable that Curry, also 37, will participate again, Durant was firm about his own intentions. Approaching 40 by that time, he aims to contribute if his health permits.
“Absolutely, I want to play,” Durant affirmed. “But I need to stay sharp. I’m not expecting anything. I want to deliver on the court and make Grant [Hill, USA Basketball managing director since 2021] and others involved in the decision-making process want to include me on the team. Not just because of seniority; I want to show I can help the team win.”
“Right now, yeah, I feel like I’d throw my name into that hat.”
Regardless of Durant’s presence, a new era for USA Basketball is on the horizon.
With the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy approaching this Sunday, the choices facing Hill and Team USA officials will soon garner attention. Numerous American players have expressed interest, both publicly and in private communications.
“I’m just focusing on the [FIBA] World Cup,” Hill shared with ESPN last week, referencing the upcoming 2027 event in Qatar, a tournament the U.S. hasn’t clinched since 2014.
In addition to needing to replace James and likely Curry, Hill appointed Erik Spoelstra to succeed coach Steve Kerr on the sidelines. Spoelstra was part of Kerr’s staff during the 2024 Games, giving him an edge in adapting to international play and roster decisions.
There remains well over a full NBA regular season and two playoffs before definitive selections are required. Nevertheless, with the U.S. preparing to host the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in July 2028 for many current NBA players, and given the growing global competition, the next 28 months signify a crucial transitional phase.
The roster
Durant, of course, is a permanent fixture. Unlike Curry and James, Durant has consistently been part of USA Basketball since his youth. yet, the absences of Curry and James would create a significant gap in both leadership and playmaking.
Following Durant, Anthony Edwards and Bam Adebayo seem to be clear choices for major contributors from 2024. Likewise, Devin Booker, who evolved into a defensive specialist during his time in France, is also likely to be included.
Beyond that, the situation becomes more complex.
Hill and USA Basketball face two options: either select the top nine players and add three role players or choose the twelve players who synergize well together.
The latter strategy secured gold in Paris but ultimately left Jayson Tatum out of the rotation, which sparked considerable discussion. Tatum appeared to struggle with off-ball play, compounding Kerr’s decision to keep him on the bench for the majority of games. (Assuming good health and a complete recovery from a torn Achilles suffered during last season’s playoffs, Tatum is likely to be selected.)
yet, following a roster that was the oldest in USA men’s basketball history during the Paris games—averaging 30.1 years—expect an influx of youth for 2028. There will be no shortage of options.
Cade Cunningham, a leading contender for the 2025-26 NBA Most Valuable Player award, is eager to be part of the team. Earlier this season, he expressed to Hill how much he aspires to represent his country in Los Angeles. When asked by ESPN last week, the 24-year-old guard reiterated his enthusiasm.
“I’ve put the work in,” Cunningham said. “I feel like I am part of the next wave of American players. Representing the United States would be a blessing for me. But I’m not making those decisions.”
During the buildup to the 2024 Summer Olympics, Cunningham and Detroit Pistons teammate Jalen Duren made an impression against the veterans as members of a USA Basketball Select Team that also featured Jaime Jaquez Jr., Jalen Suggs, Amen Thompson, and a 17-year-old Cooper Flagg.
At 6-foot-6, Cunningham is versatile, capable of playing multiple positions and defending forwards, a challenge he has embraced in his breakout season in Detroit. Duren, an athletic big man with ball-handling skills, is also likely to receive serious consideration. Both promising players are anticipated to participate in the 2027 World Cup to enhance their international credentials.
Durant even mentioned Duren when discussing potential candidates for the 2028 national team. He expressed a desire to converse with Hill about the roster construction for Los Angeles.
“I’m trying to piece together the team myself, you know how it goes,” Durant commented. “There are so many outstanding players who could be considered, whether established or younger.”
Paolo Banchero, 23, might also be in the running. The Orlando Magic forward participated in the 2023 FIBA World Cup team that finished fourth.
“Look at how Anthony Edwards emerged from the 2023 World Cup,” a USA Basketball source shared with ESPN. “Examine how Tyrese Haliburton developed following the 2023 tournament.”
Haliburton achieved All-NBA third-team recognition in 2024 and earned a gold medal in France, despite playing a limited role. Edwards was instrumental in France, but both stars made significant strides post-World Cup.
“I valued my experience, even though we didn’t earn a medal,” Banchero recounted to ESPN earlier this season about the World Cup. “I felt I could’ve contributed more to that team.
“The FIBA game is distinct. But I’m definitely interested in playing in 2028.”
Adjusting to a role that doesn’t center around an offense can be challenging for younger players entering the international scene, especially with the shorter games and fewer possessions. If someone could assume a versatile role similar to Aaron Gordon’s—functioning as a multi-positional defender who can integrate seamlessly into any lineup—it would enhance their appeal to the selection committee. This has made versatile players like Jalen Johnson and Scottie Barnes intriguing possibilities.
Kon Knueppel has also gained recognition for his shooting prowess, sources informed ESPN. The Charlotte Hornets rookie, who recently set the record for the fastest to reach 100 made 3-pointers in NBA history, would help fill the gap if Curry decides to exit international play. A significant focus under Kerr was 3-point shooting, a need that will persist even with a coaching shift.
The most challenging decisions may arise at the guard position, particularly regarding the preference for taller players. International competition has become more physical on the perimeter compared to the NBA.
The 6-foot-5 Haliburton played a minor role during the national team’s run to gold in 2024, but his size makes him an asset and a natural playmaker. Given good health—like Tatum, Haliburton is recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in Game 7 of the NBA Finals—he will be strongly considered for a return and a larger role.
This could lead to a choice among Donovan Mitchell, Jalen Brunson, and Tyrese Maxey—smaller guards with varying styles.
“Jalen wants to play. He would love it,” a source familiar with Brunson noted to ESPN.
“Tyrese would be honored,” a contact close to the Philadelphia 76ers guard remarked.
Mitchell told ESPN earlier this season that he would “one thousand percent” love to be considered. His sole experience with USA Basketball came after his rookie season in 2019, when the team fell in the World Cup quarterfinals. even if he joked that it wasn’t a great experience, the 29-year-old believes he is now better prepared for international competition.
“It’d be easy for me to say, ‘I deserve it and all that,’ for sure,” Mitchell, a seven-time NBA All-Star, stated. “But at the end of the day, it’s not up to me. I’m here. I’m not trying to campaign. I won’t be negative about it. I’ll definitely be there to support the team and our country.”
Meanwhile, Flagg, who drew significant attention among the few media members allowed to observe in Las Vegas in preparation for the 2024 Olympics, could find himself as an easy addition. The Dallas Mavericks rookie will be 21 when the Summer Games commence in L.A.
“What stands out to me is his competitive nature and work ethic,” a USA Basketball source commented regarding Flagg. “He excels at nearly everything.”
Other players of interest from a front-line perspective include Oklahoma City Thunder teammates Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, sources informed ESPN. Jalen Williams of the Thunder and Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers should also be considered.
The coaching style
Spoelstra’s experience as part of Kerr’s staff is invaluable for the international game. Kerr’s laid-back approach is reminiscent of Phil Jackson, while Spoelstra is known for his intensity, according to those familiar with Team USA.
“When he addresses the team, you feel compelled to give your all,” an individual present when Spoelstra spoke to the team during the 2024 Olympics disclosed to ESPN. “He’s not Pat Riley, but you can see the Heat influence.”
Having stars like Curry, Durant, and James made it easier for Kerr not to exert too much pressure even during tense moments in the medal rounds.
A younger squad may require Spoelstra’s firm approach. Team USA experienced sluggish starts in their close victories against Serbia and France, perhaps due to a hint of veteran overconfidence. Having someone like Spoelstra motivating the team could yield different outcomes, though Kerr ultimately found success with his methods.
“Pop [former Team USA coach Gregg Popovich] instilled a fear factor; Spo is more in that vein,” the individual remarked.
Spoelstra, like Kerr, will have a substantial say in roster decisions. One priority for Spoelstra will be valuing possessions. In a 40-minute game, especially with a younger lineup, the coach must be vigilant about turnovers in his offensive strategy.
Brown is averaging a career-high 3.6 turnovers per game with increased responsibilities in Boston. Cunningham’s turnover count is down but still ranks among the highest in the league, as he has historically carried a heavy load in Detroit. The reliable Brunson is currently leading the New York Knicks’ offense with a career-low turnover rate.
Edwards, demonstrating significant development, has consistently been a low-turnover performer. Having international experience, he could be called upon to initiate the offense.
even if the front line may lack size, Spoelstra should have wing players capable of switching and assisting on the boards. If Ty Lue returns as an assistant coach, the U.S. will possess an abundance of collective wisdom on the sidelines to mitigate any roster shortcomings.
The competition
Joel Embiid was brought in to safeguard against Jokic, and it proved effective.
That’s where Holmgren, despite his slender frame, fits into the picture. He’s been recognized as one of the better defenders against Jokic in the NBA, and there isn’t a long list of alternatives.
Holmgren’s rivalry with Wembanyama could provide captivating storylines. And with Wembanyama’s game evolving dramatically since 2024, he has emerged as arguably a top-five player in the current landscape. Picture the progression he’ll make leading into 2028. It might take the combination of Holmgren, Adebayo, and Duren to contain Wembanyama.
The NBA has seen an influx of French talent beyond Wembanyama, with Alex Sarr making his mark with the Washington Wizards and Zaccharie Risacher contributing with the Atlanta Hawks. Members of the selection committee are wary of the ongoing trend of NBA role players elevating their performances to superstar levels for their national squads.
After Team USA appeared vulnerable at times during its gold medal campaign in 2024, and with global competition stronger than ever, there’s a belief that 2028 could host potential upsets.
Correct or not, this is one of the reasons Durant is eager to play. He finds the narrative irritating.
“All I hear is, ‘AAU is ruining the sport,’ ‘the Euros are doing it right, while the Americans are not,’” Durant remarked. “That’s all nonsense; I can discern the underlying message—it’s a jab at Black Americans. We’re dominating the sport; they’re tired of our dominance.
“’France is coming for you.’ Really? We handed them a defeat.”
