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With the US Men’s Basketball Team securing another Gold Medal, it’s never too early to start looking forward to the 2028 Games. Massive changes are expected as the group prepares for the host city of Los Angeles. The team will no longer be able to rely on a group of established veterans with LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant all likely out for 2028. As the rest of the world is slowly closing the talent gap, it’s as important as ever that Team USA constructs a balanced squad capable of defeating any sort of matchup. Let’s look at a 12-man roster that they could potentially feature heading into the 2028 Olympics.
Starting Point Guard: Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies)
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The starting point guard role will be the most intriguing storyline to look out for as the 2028 Olympics approaches. In many ways, this player will have to make up for the loss of both Stephen Curry and point forward LeBron James. Succeeding two all-time greats is never easy. Especially when you’re talking about the game’s best shooter and playmaker. The team needs a showstopper whose style of play will help fans transition into a new era of US Men’s basketball. Enter, the high-flying theatrics of Ja Morant. Talk about a redemption story. Four years is plenty of time to put his past antics behind him. Morant has the talent and confidence to lead this group to victory.
Starting Shooting Guard: Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)
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The Olympics are the perfect avenue for Devin Booker to show his talents. Booker has toggled between both backcourt spots for the Phoenix Suns, but it’s clear that he fits in best as an off-guard. Booker is excellent off-the-ball where he can catch, take a couple of dribbles, and rise up with picture-perfect shooting form over defenses. He earned the starting job next to Stephen Curry in ’24 and shot over 50 percent from beyond the arc during the Knockout Stage.
Starting Small Forward: Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
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While this isn’t Edwards’ natural position, we have to find a way to squeeze him into the starting lineup. There’s a solid chance a 27-year-old Edwards is the best American-born player in the NBA by ’28. He’s certainly trending in that direction. The supreme confidence oozing from the two-time All-Star is something this team will need. Edwards will be the face of this group. He’s a snug fit next to the two guards. Edwards’ supernatural athleticism and slashing ability is a perfect complement to Booker’s shooting prowess. And, no team will have a chance of stopping Edwards and Morant in transition.
Starting Power Forward: Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
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Jayson Tatum and the Olympic team have some making-up to do. It was a rough tournament for the defending NBA Champion. He saw his role cut dramatically while enduring multiple DNPs. Even his Boston teammates, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, leaped over him in the rotation. There’s a chance he’s scarred from the experience and may not want to return. However, both sides should come to an understanding over the next few years. Tatum will be just 30 years old and in his prime by 2028. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more capable, two-way wing at that point.
Starting Center: Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder)
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Joel Embiid has already hinted at the idea of playing for Cameroon at the next Olympics. Anthony Davis expressed his desire to play in the ’28 Games — which will take place in Los Angeles — but he’ll be 35 and has already had an eventful injury history. Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren is the perfect replacement at the center spot. He’s tailor-made for the International game given his ability to protect the paint and stretch the floor. All eyes will be on the USA-France matchup to see Holmgren take on rival big man Victor Wembanyama.
Reserve Point Guard: Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers)
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Haliburton could be seen as the favorite to earn the starting point guard spot. We wouldn’t be too upset with that decision. A team filled with stars needs a table-setter. Somebody who’s more than willing to distribute and keep the ball moving. Nobody does that better than Indiana’s Haliburton. He’s a gifted passer who always keeps his teammates engaged. And, his unorthodox form has never stopped him from being a knockdown shooter. We prefer him in the reserve role which will allow him to come off the bench and push the tempo.
Reserve Shooting Guard: Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers)
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Every great team needs a sparkplug. Tyrese Maxey is an energizer who can completely flip a game at a moment’s notice. He’s one of the fastest players in the entire NBA and can get to any spot on the floor whenever he wants. Defenders can’t sag off, either. Maxey is just under 40 percent from three over his career and has made some ridiculous long-range shots with the 76ers. Additionally, his time with Philadelphia has helped prepare him for reduced roles. Maxey will maximize his minutes and can carry an offense for stretches.
Reserve Small Forward: Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics)
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Brown’s inclusion is a bit of a wild card. Some were surprised he was left off the ’24 squad. How could the team include three players from the defending champion Boston Celtics, but leave off the Finals MVP? There hasn’t been any confirmation of a disconnect, leaving us to believe Brown could eventually join the club down the road. And, they’ll need him. Wings are extremely valuable in International play and this team is short on them. Brown is a two-way star with plenty of experience in high-pressure spots. He should be a lock to earn a spot in Los Angeles.
Reserve Power Forward: Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic)
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We envision a three-way battle between Banchero, Evan Mobley, and Scottie Barnes for this spot. Banchero has the inside track after playing for the team during the 2023 FIBA World Cup. He’s grown immensely as a player since then and will be an integral piece to the Olympic team moving forward. His positional versatility at 6-foot-10 is exactly the type of player this team often favors. If he can solidify his outside jumper over the next few years, the other teams will be in serious trouble.
Reserve Center: Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat)
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A veteran presence is needed. Bam Adebayo has a spot on the US team for as long as he wants. He’s an ideal center for International play. There’s no substitute for his versatility, unselfishness, and physicality. There will be some matchups where he could slide into the starting lineup over Holmgren. He could even play next to Chet and wreak havoc in the paint together. Adebayo needs to be in LA for the 2028 Games.
11th Man: Desmond Bane (Memphis Grizzlies)
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You can never have enough shooting on the Olympic team. With the way basketball is played today, shooting is the ultimate equalizer. If the US arrives in LA without enough perimeter scorers, they open themselves up to being upset by a less talented team that can get hot from beyond the arc. Bane is a qualified 3-and-D guard who can plug and play into any lineup construction. Other potential players who could fill this role include Jalen Williams (Thunder), Brandon Miller (Hornets), or Keegan Murray (Kings).
12th Man: Cooper Flagg (Duke University)
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We’re projecting a bit with this one. Cooper Flagg has yet to play a single minute of college basketball. However, there is much anticipation surrounding his debut. Flagg is considered an odds-on favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and is being hyped as a can’t-miss prospect. Based on that, Flagg could be an excellent addition to this group. Investing in the next generation has paid off dividends for the Olympic team in the past. Think of when 19-year-old Anthony Davis was a part of the 2012 team, or when LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony were members in ’04. Flagg is next up and would benefit tremendously from being a part of greatness.
Head Coach: Erik Spoelstra (Miami Heat)
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In the end, head coach Steve Kerr pulled the right strings to secure a Gold Medal victory. However, the longtime Golden State Warriors coach caught a ton of flak for his game plan and rotations. Early reports indicate Kerr intends to retire from his role as the Olympic team’s head coach, setting up a new face to take the lead as the group prepares for Los Angeles. Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra looks to be the odds-on favorite after serving as a lead assistant for the past cycle. Spoelstra is known for getting the most out of his players. He’ll make sure a team filled with superstars is ready to play unselfish basketball and compete on the defensive end.
Complete Roster
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Starters
PG – Ja Morant
SG – Devin Booker
SF – Anthony Edwards
PF – Jayson Tatum
C – Chet Holmgren
Reserves
PG – Tyrese Haliburton
SG – Tyrese Maxey
SF – Jaylen Brown
PF – Paolo Banchero
C – Bam Adebayo
G – Desmond Bane
F – Cooper Flagg
Head Coach
Erik Spoelstra
