Predicting the 2028 USA Men's Basketball Olympic Team

With the 2024 Paris Olympics starting in roughly over a month and a half, I thought it would be fun to predict the 12 man roster that will represent the USA in LA 4 years from now. After this summer it will be the start of a new era, as we would assume this is the last run for some of the superstars of this generation, with names like LeBron, Steph, and KD all seeing their last action for USA basketball. It will be exciting to see who emerges to become the superstars for the second half of the 2020's and it will be fun to see in 4 years how far off some of these predictions were. For this will we include the age that each player will be in the summer of 2028. Please comment below if you think we missed on any players, or if you think any players we included will not make the roster!

*Only players who are in the league currently will be selected for this exercise. There will be new stars who emerge over the next four years and of course prospects like Cooper Flagg or Cameron Boozer could be selected but to make it easier, only players who have played in the NBA as of the 2023-24 season were eligible for selection*

2028 USA MEN'S BASKETBALL OLYMPIC ROSTER

G: Devin Booker, 31

Booker is a decent defender, underrated playmaker, and surely will still be an elite scorer in 4 years. His versatility to play on and off ball will be key for this team

G: Anthony Edwards, 26

A lot of people are ready to crown Ant with the title of "next face of the league" after the 2024 playoffs. While he has competition for that title, there is no reason that should not be the expectation for him. Look for Ant to be the go to scorer for this team, while also adding defensive strength for certain matchups. 

G: Donovan Mitchell, 31

I still think Spida is a top 15 player in the league today and will still be at worst a top 30 player in 4 years. I think he deserved a shot at the 2024 roster. He adds value mostly as an off ball scorer and secondary distributor for this team.

G: Ja Morant, 28

Ja has obviously missed a lot of time the last two seasons, but when he is playing there is an argument he is the best young player in the league. Ja is a very underrated playmaker for his teammates and in 4 years I expect him to quarterback the USA as the point guard.

G: Trae Young, 29

I do not quite understand why people undervalue Trae Young so much, as he is an absolutely elite offensive player. However, due to depth and defensive limitations, I do not expect Young to have a huge role for this 2028 team other than an offensive spark plug/backup point guard in limited minutes.

G/F: Jaylen Brown, 31

An ideal wing for the national team, as he does not necessarily need the ball to be effective. He can bring scoring punch and defense off the bench.

F: Paolo Banchero, 25

The youngest player on this team, already has prior USA FIBA experience. I think he could potentially be slightly buried down the rotation but provides value as a big body forward who can score or facilitate.

F: Jaren Jackson Jr, 28

While JJJ has expanded his offensive game each and every season, his main role for the USA team will be as an elite rim protector and switching big man.

F: Jayson Tatum, 30

Tatum is a do everything player for this team. He could be the leading scorer, rebounder, a primary facilitator or guard the opponents best player. Could be the most important player for this team's success.

F: Zion Williamson, 28

When he is healthy and on the floor, Zion is one of the most unstoppable players in the entire world. An efficient scorer and decent passer, Zion could create mismatches all across the court for the USA.

C: Bam Adebayo, 30

An elite defender who can do almost anything you ask him to do on both sides of the court. Bam will get the majority of the backup center minutes.

C: Chet Holmgren, 26

Chet has proven after his all time rookie season that he is an elite defender. That is where his biggest selling point will be for this team, but he will also provide some offensive value by being able to spread the floor.

STARTING FIVE

G: Ja Morant

G: Anthony Edwards

F Jayson Tatum

F: Zion Williamson

C: Chet Holmgren

Also under consideration: Tyrese Maxey, Amen Thompson, Jalen Suggs, Jaden McDaniels, Desmond Bane, Brandon Miller, De'Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton, Jalen Williams, Jalen Duren, Jalen Johnson, Mark Williams, Keegan Murray, Dereck Lively, Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley