Projecting the 2028 Team USA Olympic men's basketball roster: 40 candidates with a chance

The 2024 Olympics has come to a close, and Team USA once again claimed the gold medal in men’s basketball. The roster featured an interesting mix of the old guard and young talent which will catapult the program forward into the next cycle.

Anthony Edwards appears primed to take on a big role, with LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Steph Curry likely to age out. In addition to coaching staff turnover, there could easily be a complete overhaul of players featured by the time Los Angeles hosts the world in 2028.

As the conversation about basketball continues to center the world has caught up to the United States, with several recent MVPs coming from foreign countries and Victor Wembanyama on the way, Team USA looks to continue its dominance on the biggest stage.

Here is a look at the 40 players likely to garner conversation for a 2028 Team USA spot, and the 12 who could end up on the Olympic roster.

6 Team USA Returners

Bam Adebayo* – Miami Heat
Adebayo has become one of the unsung heroes for Team USA, fitting his role well and finding ways to impact the game when surrounded by the game’s best.
Devin Booker* – Phoenix Suns
Booker had a strong performance for Team USA this summer and now promises to take on a larger role with the program given his experience on the big stage.
Anthony Edwards* – Minnesota Timberwolves
A blossoming superstar, Edwards got the glimpse at Team USA the program wanted on his way to becoming a go-to player for years to come.
Joel Embiid – Philadelphia 76ers
Embiid made the decision to play for Team USA over France or Cameroon this cycle, but age and early hints at interest in another change of scenery leave his participation in doubt… at least for Team USA.
Tyrese Haliburton – Indiana Pacers
Stuck at the bottom of the rotation, even Haliburton made jokes about his role at the 2024 Olympics, but he is an NBA star who will have four more years to work on his game and earn playing time.
Jayson Tatum* – Boston Celtics
Despite controversy surrounding his inconsistent time during the 2024 Olympics, Tatum is a big piece of the picture moving forward.

4 Legends Aging Out

Steph Curry – Golden State Warriors
Curry got his Gold moment this summer and accomplished of the few missing jewels of his career. While he could still be in the league, his desire to play in 2028 will be a major question mark.
Anthony Davis* – Los Angeles Lakers
Davis is another accomplished Team USA member who will certainly have his choice of a roster spot if he remains a force on both ends of the floor.
Kevin Durant – Phoenix Suns
Durant is in a similar position to James, but with a few less years on his body. Already the most accomplished player in Team USA history, he has little else to prove.
LeBron James – Los Angeles Lakers
James would be well into his 40’s when the Olympics come back, but after seeing him take on the leadership role at 39. Never say never.

9 NBA Superstars

Jaylen Brown – Boston Celtics
Brown has about as poor of a relationship with Team USA as possible right now… but four years is a long time. Between potential turnover and time off, perhaps he can still make the cut.
Jalen Brunson* – New York Knicks
Brunson has turned into an NBA star, got experience in 2023, and represents a major market. Now he will compete to stay on top of his game and assert himself among the best point guard options.
De’Aaron Fox – Sacramento Kings
Fox has been overlooked at times when compared to his peers but can bring just as much speed and scoring as any of the young ball-handlers in the mix.
Paul George – Philadelphia 76ers
Without going in 2024, George is likely long-shot for 2028. However, as a Los Angeles native and idol for many young players ready to make their Olympic debut, he could be an interesting leadership add.
Tyrese Maxey – Philadelphia 76ers
Maxey continues to emerge as a guard to watch in the future. He has grown into a potential name Team USA could call on for scoring and ball-handling duties.
Donovan Mitchell* – Cleveland Cavaliers
Mitchell could certainly bring something to Team USA from a talent standpoint. The only question will come based on positional needs.
Ja Morant* – Memphis Grizzlies
Morant’s off-court issues essentially ruled him out before injuries ended any chance this cycle, but his on-court performance will certainly warrant a roster spot if things remain clean.
Julius Randle – New York Knicks
Randle gets lost in the shuffle of stars, especially after the influx of talent in New York, but he remains a borderline All-NBA player who can score in bursts and provide an option few others can.
Zion Williamson – New Orleans Pelicans
Williamson has been plagued by injuries which have limited his chance to build momentum in the national team conversation. The talent is undeniable and the spectacle is must-see, as long as it fits with other talent and works within FIBA competition.

6 Rising Stars

LaMelo Ball – Charlotte Hornets
Ball has dealt with plenty of the same issues as other young stars, plus injuries which he must move past to reach his potential. The fit in FIBA competition makes him a longer shot given the depth of point guard options.
Paolo Banchero* – Orlando Magic
Given his current trajectory, Banchero could be one of the biggest pieces of the roster when 2028 arrives. He brings the type of star power needed, along with valuable versatility on both ends.
Scottie Barnes – Toronto Raptors
Barnes is the type of well-balanced player who could help complete the roster by filling a role around others who carry the scoring load while he provides playmaking and rebounding, as well as defense.
Cade Cunningham – Detroit Pistons
The talent shown by Cunningham has been clear, but his tenure with the Detroit Pistons has not featured much winning basketball. It is difficult to gauge his value to winning basketball, although plenty can change in four years.
Chet Holmgren* – Oklahoma City Thunder
Holmgren appears to be Team USA’s future at center, an important distinction given the international strength at the position. His ability to fill out and improve as a rebounder remains important when translating to FIBA.
Brandon Miller* – Charlotte Hornets
Miller has the type of fluid shot and scoring upside to quickly enter the conversation of top wing options, especially as the long-time staples age out.

7 Role Players

Desmond Bane – Memphis Grizzlies
Bane is one of the NBA’s best beyond the 3-point line and has developed into a secondary ball-handler as well. His short wingspan leaves questions on defense although he competes hard on that end.
Mikal Bridges – New York Knicks
Bridges can bordered on the elite role player/developing star for a few years now, but now settles into a great role with the New York Knicks. He brings all the traits the program has looked for previously to fill out the roster.
Jaren Jackson Jr. – Memphis Grizzlies
Jackson Jr. is a former DPOY with elite traits on that end and a versatile offensive package. However, his previous FIBA experience and lack of rebounding prowess hold him back from being a lock for Los Angeles.
Herb Jones – New Orleans Pelicans
Jones is among the best perimeter defenders in the NBA and showed off a huge jump in 3-point percentage this season. If that number remains close to 40%, he could be too valuable on both ends to leave home.
Jaden McDaniels – Minnesota Timberwolves
McDaniels is a valuable defender who has played alongside multiple stars – including Edwards – while spacing the floor and making an effort on the boards.
Trey Murphy – New Orleans Pelicans
Murphy fits the mold of a 3-and-D wing so well, he has become the mold some compare against. His trajectory puts him in position to be a valuable piece of any roster for years to come.
Jalen Williams – Oklahoma City Thunder
The ceiling continues to rise for Williams as he learns how to play alongside stars in Oklahoma City, with the change to break into the star conversation by the time the Olympics come back around.

8 Developing Players

Donovan Clingan – Portland Trail Blazers
Clingan is the top defensive prospect among the young NBA players – and was On3’s No. 1 ranked player in the draft class as a result. He also plays a position without much depth for Team USA.
AJ Dybansta – 2025 HS Class
Dybansta is the youngest player to feature on this list of potential Olympians, as he will be just two years into his NBA career. However, if he quickly showcases his star potential at the top level, there is no reason to limit the speed of his trajectory four years in advance.
Cooper Flagg* – Duke Blue Devils
Flagg impressed as the youngest member of the Select team ahead of the 2024 Olympics before ever playing a college game. Excitement about his trajectory puts his participation in play, even if it comes as a growth platform for future years.
GG Jackson – Memphis Grizzlies
Despite being drafted in the second round just a year ago, Jackson has shown why he was a top prospect before re-classifying. If he can replicate his scoring outburst for a winning team it could shift him up the ranks and garner attention.
Dereck Lively – Dallas Mavericks
Lively could easily slot into the role player category already after his rookie season, with his defense proving valuable enough to help lead the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals.
Evan Mobley – Cleveland Cavaliers
Mobley has the talent to emerge in the Team USA conversation by the time 2028 arrives, but must continue to round out his game on his way to becoming a star.
Keegan Murray – Sacramento Kings
The early returns on Murray looked like he would be in the next category by now, but a down year held him back. The 3-point shooting and defensive ability will keep him in the conversation as his game grows.
Reed Sheppard – Houston Rockets
The shooting of Sheppard could make him undeniable in this conversation, with the key focus resting on how his aggressive defense translates to the professional level.

Projected 12-man Olympic roster

Bam Adebayo
Paolo Banchero
Devin Booker
Jalen Brunson
Anthony Davis
Anthony Edwards
Cooper Flagg
Chet Holmgren
Brandon Miller
Donovan Mitchell
Ja Morant
Jayson Tatum
Head Coach: Erik Spoelstra

Just Missed:
Guards:
De’Aaron Fox
Tyrese Haliburton
Wings:
Desmond Bane
Jalen Williams
Bigs:
Jaren Jackson
Dereck Lively