USA Basketball’s path to 2028: Fresh leadership, new coach, and upcoming choices
In 2024, a Team USA roster featuring NBA stars, role players, emerging talents, and legends, triumphed in two nail-biters—a 95-91 victory against a Serbia team led by Nikola Jokic and a hard-fought 98-87 win over host France—on their path to securing the Olympic gold medal.
However, while 22-year-old Victor Wembanyama has expressed a desire for redemption after falling short in his hometown of Paris, and 31-year-old Jokic is likely to share similar sentiments after Serbia took home the bronze, it seems that the veteran members of USA Basketball may not reunite to pursue a sixth consecutive gold medal.
At least not entirely.
Kevin Durant, the all-time leading scorer for the United States men’s basketball team, informed ESPN earlier this month of his intention to participate in international competition again in 2028. The 37-year-old forward, who achieved an Olympic-record fourth gold medal at the 2024 Games, refuted the idea that Paris marked his final appearance.
“That narrative, where did the last dance thing come from?” Durant stated. “I didn’t say I wasn’t playing. LeBron [James] mentioned he wasn’t. You didn’t hear that from me or Steph [Curry].”
While it appears unlikely that Curry, 37, will return, Durant was adamant about his own aspirations. Approaching 40 by then, he aims to participate, provided he remains healthy.
“Absolutely, I want to play,” Durant remarked. “But I need to maintain my performance. I’m not taking anything for granted. I want to contribute on the court and make Grant [Hill, USA Basketball managing director since 2021] and whoever is making the decisions want to include me on the team. Not just for seniority; I want to demonstrate that I can help the team succeed.
“Right now, yes, I feel like I would put my name in that hat.”
Regardless of Durant’s inclusion, a new era for USA Basketball is on the horizon.
With the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy approaching on Sunday, the choices facing Hill and Team USA officials will gradually come into focus. Numerous American players have already expressed their interest, both publicly and privately.
“I’m just trying to get through the [FIBA] World Cup,” Hill told ESPN last week, referring to the 2027 event in Qatar, a tournament the U.S. has not won since 2014.
Hill not only has to find replacements for James and likely Curry, but he also appointed Erik Spoelstra to succeed coach Steve Kerr on the sidelines. Spoelstra was part of Kerr’s staff during the 2024 Games, providing him with an edge in adapting to international play and in roster decisions.
There remains more than a complete NBA regular season and two postseasons before final selections must be made. However, with the U.S. set to host a Summer Olympics—in Los Angeles in July 2028—for the first time in many NBA players’ lifetimes, and with global competition closing in on Team USA, the next 28 months will be a crucial transition period.
The roster
Durant, naturally, is a cornerstone. Unlike Curry and James, Durant has been a steady figure in USA Basketball since he began his journey as a youth. However, the absence of Curry and James would create a significant gap in both playmaking and veteran guidance.
Following Durant, Anthony Edwards and Bam Adebayo seem to be secure as key contributors from 2024. The same can be said for Devin Booker, who evolved into a defensive specialist during his time in France.
Beyond that, the situation becomes more complex.
Hill and USA Basketball have two options: select the best nine players and add three role players or choose the 12 players who best complement each other.
The latter strategy secured gold in Paris, but it resulted in Jayson Tatum being left out of the rotation, which became a frequent topic of discussion. Tatum appeared to struggle with off-ball play, which compounded Kerr’s choice to keep him on the bench for most games. (Assuming good health and a full recovery from a torn Achilles sustained in last season’s playoffs, Tatum is likely to be chosen.)
After sending the oldest roster in USA men’s basketball history to Paris—the average age was 30.1—anticipate an influx of youth in 2028. There will be no shortage of candidates.
Cade Cunningham, a strong contender for the 2025-26 NBA Most Valuable Player, is eager for the opportunity. Earlier this season, Cunningham conveyed to Hill his desire to represent his country in Los Angeles. When asked by ESPN last week, the 24-year-old guard reiterated his enthusiasm.
“I put the work in,” Cunningham stated. “I feel like I am part of the next wave of American players. So, being able to represent the United States would be a blessing. But I don’t make those decisions.”
During the lead-up to the 2024 Summer Olympics, Cunningham and Detroit Pistons teammate Jalen Duren impressed against the veterans as part 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 capable of playing multiple positions and can shift to the wing to defend forwards, a challenge he has embraced during his breakout season in Detroit. Duren, an athletic big who can handle the ball, will also receive strong consideration. Both young stars are likely 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. Durant expressed his intention to speak with Hill about the roster being assembled for Los Angeles.
“Just because I try to put the team together on my own. You know how that goes,” Durant remarked. “There are so many great players that are up for consideration, whether established or [younger].”
Paolo Banchero, 23, could also be a candidate. The Orlando Magic star forward was part of the 2023 FIBA World Cup team that finished fourth.
“Look at how Anthony Edwards emerged from the World Cup in 2023,” a source connected with USA Basketball told ESPN. “Look at how Tyrese Haliburton developed in 2023.”
Haliburton became an All-NBA third-team selection in 2024 and was a gold medalist in France, despite playing a limited role. Edwards was a significant contributor in France, but both stars made strides following the World Cup.
“I enjoyed my experience, even though we didn’t medal,” Banchero told ESPN early this season regarding the World Cup. “I felt like I could’ve contributed more to that team.
“I think the FIBA game is different. But I’m definitely interested [in playing in 2028].”
Adjusting to not being the focal point of an offense can be challenging for younger players entering international competition, particularly with shorter games and fewer possessions. If someone could fit into an Aaron Gordon-type role—a versatile defender who can adapt to any lineup—it could make them more appealing to the selection committee. This has made versatile players like Jalen Johnson and Scottie Barnes intriguing options.
Kon Knueppel has also garnered attention with his shooting, sources informed ESPN. The Charlotte Hornets rookie, who last month became the fastest player to reach 100 made 3-pointers in NBA history, would help fill the gap if Curry indeed steps away from international play. A major focus under Kerr was 3-point shooting, and that need will persist with the coaching transition.
The most challenging decisions may arise at guard, particularly regarding whether to favor taller players. International play has become significantly more physical than the NBA on the perimeter.
The 6-foot-5 Haliburton played a minor role in the national team’s 2024 gold medal run, but he possesses good size and is a natural distributor. Assuming good health—like Tatum, Haliburton is recovering from a torn Achilles sustained in Game 7 of the NBA Finals—he will be strongly considered for a return and an expanded role.
This could lead to a choice between Donovan Mitchell, Jalen Brunson, and Tyrese Maxey—smaller guards with varying playing styles.
“Jalen wants to play. He would love it,” a source close to Brunson told ESPN.
“Tyrese would be honored,” a source close to the Philadelphia 76ers guard stated.
Mitchell informed ESPN earlier this season that he would “one-thousand-percent” love to be considered. His only experience with USA Basketball came after his rookie season in 2019, when the team was eliminated in the World Cup quarterfinals. Although Mitchell 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,” said Mitchell, a seven-time NBA All-Star. “But at the end of the day, it’s not my decision to make. I’m here. I don’t feel like I need to campaign. I’m not going to be negative about it. I’ll definitely be there to support us as a team, as a country.”
Meanwhile, Flagg, who made a strong impression among the limited media allowed to observe in Las Vegas leading up to the 2024 Olympics, could be an easy addition. The Dallas Mavericks rookie will be 21 when the Summer Games commence in L.A.
“What I appreciate about him is that he truly competes and plays hard,” a source connected with USA Basketball remarked about Flagg. “He’s proficient at just about everything.”
Other players who are intriguing from a front-line perspective include Oklahoma City Thunder teammates Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, sources told ESPN. Jalen Williams of the Thunder and Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers should also be considered.
The coaching style
Spoelstra’s experience on Kerr’s staff is certainly beneficial in the international arena. Kerr is more relaxed, akin to Phil Jackson, while Spoelstra adopts a more intense coaching approach, according to those associated with Team USA.
“Hearing him address the team, he makes you want to run through a wall,” a figure present when Spoelstra spoke to the team during the 2024 Olympics told ESPN. “He’s not Pat Riley, but you can see the Heat effect.”
Kerr’s possession of Curry, Durant, and James made it easier for him not to push too hard, even during tense moments in the medal round.
Having a younger roster may necessitate Spoelstra’s more assertive style. Team USA experienced sluggish starts in those tight victories over Serbia and France, possibly due to a touch of veteran complacency. Having someone like Spoelstra to motivate the team could yield different outcomes, although Kerr ultimately succeeded with his methods.
“Pop [former Team USA coach Gregg Popovich] had the fear factor; Spo is more in that mold,” the figure noted.
Spoelstra, like Kerr, will also have significant input regarding personnel. One priority for Spoelstra must be valuing possessions. In a 40-minute game, especially with a younger team, the coach must be cautious about turnovers within his offensive strategy.
Brown is averaging a career-high 3.6 turnovers per game with the increased responsibility in Boston. Cunningham’s turnovers are down but remain among the league leaders, as he has traditionally carried a heavy load throughout his career with Detroit. The reliable Brunson, meanwhile, is directing the New York Knicks’ offense with a career-low turnover rate.
Edwards, in a testament to his development, has consistently been a low-turnover player. Having participated in FIBA basketball, he could be called upon to initiate offense.
Although he may not have much size in the front line, Spoelstra should have wing players capable of switching and assisting on the boards. Assuming Ty Lue returns as an assistant coach, the U.S. will have ample collective intelligence on the sidelines to compensate for any roster shortcomings.
The competition
Joel Embiid was recruited to represent the U.S. primarily to guard Jokic, and it proved effective.
This is where Holmgren, despite his slender frame, comes into play. He has been recognized as one of the better defenders Jokic has encountered in the NBA, and there isn’t a lengthy list to choose from.
Holmgren’s rivalry with Wembanyama could also provide compelling narratives. Wembanyama’s game has significantly evolved since 2024, positioning him as arguably a top-five player in the current league. Consider the advancements he may achieve leading up to 2028. It may 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 an impact for the Washington Wizards and Zaccharie Risacher contributing for the Atlanta Hawks. Members of the selection committee are concerned about the ongoing trend of NBA role players elevating their performances to superstar levels for their national teams.
After Team USA appeared vulnerable at times during its journey to gold in 2024, and with global competition as robust as ever, there is a perception that 2028 could be ripe for an upset.
Whether accurate or not, it’s one reason Durant is eager to participate. He is frustrated by the prevailing narrative.
“All I hear is, ‘AAU is ruining the game,’ ‘the Euros do it right, while the Americans do it wrong,'” Durant expressed. “It’s a lot of nonsense. I can read between the lines on that; it’s a shot at Black Americans. We’re dominating the sport; they’re tired of us dominating the sport.
“‘France is coming for you.’ Really? We defeated them decisively.”
