USA basketball roster for 2028 Olympics: Predictions for each spot on 12-man roster in Los Angeles

The NBA is on the verge of a new era, and the 2028 Olympic men's basketball roster will reflect that reality. LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant saved the day for Team USA in 2024, coming through with some huge performances to win gold in Paris. Those three will all be on the wrong side of 40 for the 2028 games in Los Angeles. There's a chance that one or two of them may still be on the roster (Durant has mentioned that he'd still like to play), but a new core will have to take over the majority of minutes. 

Team USA has been preparing for that eventuality, bringing stars like Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton in 2024 in order to gain experience even if they didn't play much. Those two, along with several others, are set to lead the next generation in their quest towards America's sixth straight gold medal. 

With only 12 spots, there are bound to be some tough cuts. We are two years out from the LA Games. Here's who could make the team.

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USA basketball roster predictions for 2028 Olympics

Guards

Anthony Edwards

Edwards showed that his game translates well to international play during the 2024 Olympics, averaging 13 points on a blistering 58 percent from the field and 48 percent from 3. He was also Team USA's best player during the 2023 FIBA World Cup. He's a virtual lock to make this team, and he has a good chance to also be its high scorer. 

Tyrese Haliburton

Haliburton didn't get a chance to play much in his first go-around in 2024. Now is his chance to shine. He's a great pull-up 3-point shooter that can play on or off the ball. His passing will be important in order to maximize the athletic advantage that this roster has, getting everyone playing in transition where Team USA has traditionally dominated. 

Jalen Brunson 

Brunson didn't get the call in 2024. He should in 2028. He's been a willing participant in smaller USA Basketball activities, which the committee cares about. He's one of the most clutch players in the NBA, and his physicality and toughness will lend itself well to international basketball. 

Donovan Mitchell

Mitchell has also never been to the Olympics but has participated in other international tournaments. His shooting, athleticism, and scoring ability make him a natural fit on this team. He'll be 31 years old, so this will likely be his last chance to win a Gold medal. 

Cade Cunningham

Five guards are a lot to bring to the games. But Team USA is stacked at this position, and Cunningham merits the extra addition. He's got more size than some of the other players who will be taken, giving this roster more versatility. He's an excellent passer who can fit into any situation. 

Next up: Tyrese Maxey, Devin Booker, De'Aaron Fox, Kon Knueppel, Dylan Harper

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Wings

Jayson Tatum 

Tatum was capable of playing bigger minutes during the 2024 games. But with LeBron James ahead of him in the rotation, the opportunities weren't there. Tatum should get that featured role in 2028. He's a versatile defender and a do-everything player on offense. He should find a place to fit in anywhere on this team. 

Jaylen Brown

A Tatum and Brown reunion would be fun, and it has a good chance of happening. Brown was a top 10 player in the league last season. He's also shown that he is capable of fitting in next to bigger stars in previous years. He's a capable one-on-one defender when he's locked in, and his transition scoring should look great on a roster that will play fast. 

Scottie Barnes

Barnes can play the Draymond Green role on this team. He's an elite defender that can guard anyone, and his passing should help elevate everyone around him. He's also a good rebounder, which will be important given how Team USA's Achilles heel tends to be getting mashed on the boards. 

Cooper Flagg

Two years from now, Flagg should be a top 15 player in the league. The Rookie of the Year has tremendous defensive instincts and talent. And he's a good passer and scorer on top of it. He's going to be a staple of multiple Olympic teams. 

Next men up: Kevin Durant, Jalen Williams, Jalen Johnson, Amen Thompson

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Bigs

Bam Adebayo 

Adebayo will be the veteran of the group, having won Gold in 2020 and 2024. He'll turn 31 a few days after the opening ceremony, and he still has a lot of gas left in the tank. 

Adebayo has been a defensive anchor for Team USA in previous games, switching onto guards, setting great screens, and leading the team in rebounding back in the Tokyo games. He will likely be the starter at center. 

Paolo Banchero

Banchero is another young star who has played internationally for Team USA in the hopes of making it for the Olympics. He has the athleticism, passing, and scoring to fit well on this team. 

Chet Holmgren 

Holmgren is one of the premier defenders in the league. He could wall off the rim for Team USA. His slight frame does present some issues against the bigger size that the Americans will face in the Olympics, but his stretch ability from 3 and elite shot blocking make him too valuable to leave off this roster. 

Next men up: Evan Mobley, Jalen Duren, Joel Embiid

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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: