USA basketball roster projection for 2028 Olympics: Jayson Tatum, Cooper Flagg lead wave of stars after LeBron era | Sporting News (2024)

The 2024 Team USA roster is likely the last time that some of the iconic names in the game will represent their country. LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant will be in their 40s when 2028 rolls around and may very well be retired.

That means there will be a passing of the torch when Los Angeles hosts the next Olympics in 2028.

There may be new faces, but one thing will remain the same: America will have an embarrassment of riches on the roster. The United States is deep at every position, and there will have to be some tough omissions with only 12 slots available.

Here's what the country's roster could look like four years from now, separated by position.

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USA basketball roster predictions for 2028 Olympics

Guards

Anthony Edwards|Age in 2028: 27

Edwards has been one of Team USA's best scorers in Paris and was its best player in the summer of 2023 at the FIBA World Cup. He's an electric shot-maker and a good one-on-one defender who has gotten better every year. He will be right in the prime of his career.

Edwards is an easy selection for the next team and a probable starter.

Devin Booker | Age in 2028: 31

Booker has already played in two Olympics, and he's played well. Team USA is always in need of good shooters, where he can certainly contribute. He would likely start next to Edwards.

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Jalen Brunson| Age in 2028: 31

Brunson has participated in USA Basketball activities numerous times, including serving as the captain of the 2023 FIBA World Cup team. He's never been part of an Olympic team, though. His small stature might be an issue defensively, but he's an All-NBA player who will take a ton of charges while creating for himself and others.

Donovan Mitchell| Age in 2028: 31

Like Brunson, Mitchell has participated with Team USA but has never been to the Olympics. He's a terrific scorer who can stretch the floor from 3, and he's become a better defender with the Cavaliers.

Next up: Ja Morant, De'Aaron Fox,Tyrese Haliburton,Trae Young,Tyrese Maxey

MORE:Why Stephen Curry's Olympic debut came in 2024

Wings

Jayson Tatum| Age in 2028: 30

Tatum didn't get much of an opportunity to play in Paris. James took most of his minutes.

Tatum might get a chance to lead the show if he decides to come back in 2028. He'll be one of the premier players on the team, and his ability to contribute in multiple areas makes him extremely useful on an All-Star-laden team such as this one.

Jaylen Brown| Age in 2028: 31

After winning Finals MVP, Brown expressed frustration at having been left off the 2024 Olympic team. That hasn't stopped Team USA managing director Grant Hill from stating that Brown could be in contention in 2028.

Brown is the type of two-way athlete who could thrive in an international setting. He's had some of his biggest moments on the most pressure-laden stages.

Brandon Miller| Age in 2028: 25

Miller has stated his admiration for Paul George in the past. George will be too old for this roster, so Miller could fill that same role as a good 3-point shooter, versatile defender with size and secondary shot creator. He showed the ability to do all of those things in his rookie year and might be one of the top wings in the league by the time 2028 rolls around.

Cooper Flagg| Age in 2028: 21

Flagg might seem like a surprising pick given that he is still a full year away from even playing in his first NBA game and will barely be legal drinking age when the Olympics kick off. But go watch his highlights against this 2024 Team USA roster from earlier in July.

There is a very clear reason why he is already the consensus No. 1 pick of the 2025 NBA Draft and a player that multiple teams are positioning themselves to try and draft. Flagg can already score at an elite level and stands out among the best of the best.

Next men up: Mikal Bridges, Jalen Williams, Scottie Barnes

MORE:Will 2024 be LeBron James' last Olympic appearance?

Bigs

Bam Adebayo| Age in 2028: 31

Joel Embiid will be 34 and Anthony Davis will be 35 by the time the next Olympics rolls around. Their games might not age gracefully. Adebayo will be the one surefire holdover from the 2024 team.

Adebayo is the best big man available for the Americans. He's a good passer, a terrific defender and he's even been able to shoot the international 3 a little bit with the closer-in line. He should be the starter on this team.

Zion Williamson| Age in 2028: 28

Health has always been the big question mark for Williamson. If he does put the injury concerns in the rearview mirror, then he should be a shoo-in. There's not a more explosive player in the league going to the rim. He has played like a top-10 player in the instances where he has been available.

Chet Holmgren| Age in 2028: 26

Holmgren finished tied for fourth with Anthony Davis in blocks per game in his rookie season. He should be one of the best defenders in the league by the time he hits his mid-20s. He's also a great shooter, making him an easy fit in a ton of different lineups.

Paolo Banchero| Age in 2028: 25

Banchero played for Team USA in 2023 but didn't make the cut for Paris. He was very effective in international settings, using his speed and athleticism to run past bigger, slower defenders. His passing would be particularly useful on such a stacked offensive team.

Next men up: Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Donovan Clingan

MORE:Will Joel Embiid play for USA in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics?

Potential USA basketball 2028 Olympics roster

With that in mind, here's a look at what USA's roster could look like for the 2028 Olympics: