Who will start for Team USA in 2028?
As Team USA basketball takes home gold, many wonder about the future of the national team. In 1992, the Michael Jordan led “ dream team” faced only nine NBA players in Barcelona, the 2024 team in Paris played almost eight times as many. As the competition gets more fierce, and the golden generation of the 2010’s retires, this article goes over who will take over the mantle. These are the players I think will be in the starting five for Team USA at the 2028 games in Los Angeles.
Point Guard - Tyrese Haliburton
Honorable Mentions: Jalen Brunson/Ja Morant
Tyrese Haliburton seems like the perfect floor general for a team where everyone wants the ball. Haliburton averaged almost eleven assists this past NBA season, while pushing the Pacers to their first conference finals appearance in a decade. He has impeccable court vision, on par with legendary point guards of the past. Indiana’s high paced style perfectly matches the way a future Team USA would play, a system Haliburton has almost mastered. Along with being able to feed big men off the pick and roll, Halliburton has an incredible scoring ability. His three point shooting, both off the dribble and in catch and shoot situations, is elite. Having played in the Olympics in the past, he has far greater experience at the international stage than other players at his age. Although I believe all three will make the team, Morant’s off the court problems, and Brunson being thirty-one by the time the next games roll around makes Haliburton the obvious pick for the starting spot.
Shooting Guard - Anthony Edwards
Honorable Mention: Devin Booker
Anthony Edwards is not only the future of team USA basketball but the future of basketball in general. Coined the next Michael Jordan, Edwards showed out last NBA season. From off the chart athleticism, to the three level scoring, cool as ice persona, Jordan like fadeaways, and a modern defensive star, he quickly was granted the title of next face of the league by NBA fans and pundits. In his coming out party against Puerto Rico, Ant had 26 points, showcasing both his use of his 6 '5 frame on defense, and elite athleticism. His all around game and off the court personality is exactly what team USA needs.
Small Forward - Cooper Flagg
Honorable Mentions: Jayson Tatum
As the only player on the list not currently on a professional roster, there are a lot of questions to be asked about Cooper Flagg’s place as the starting wing on the team. Other than being the projected first pick in the next draft, there are two reasons why he secured his place on this team for me. One, Flagg’s versatility on the court. Standing at 6”8, he can guard almost every position on the court, with both height and quickness. His strength and athleticism help him combat physicality often seen by other olympic teams, along with his outside shooting, being incredibly valuable during tournament play. Secondly, his selection and play on the USA select team. After watching film of him scrimmaging against future gold medalists, you could see the future star power he has. Impeccable court vision, athleticism, shooting, defense, he really does have it all. The best part, he is only 17 and will show considerable improvement in four years. As he steadily begins to improve at both the collegiate and pro level, he will easily cement his spot as a starter on this team.
Power Forward - Paolo Banchero
Honorable Mention: Anthony Davis
After starring for Duke in college and going first overall to the Magic in the 2022, Banchero has been nothing but excellent for Orlando. Averaging 20 points in both of his inaugural seasons, Banchero shows athleticism, playmaking and an elite level scoring ability with his mid range game. Being 25 when the games begin, he is significantly younger than Anthony Davis who is almost a decade older. Many are cautious of Banchero’s lack of defensive numbers. I believe that as he gains more experience in the NBA, he will become a better defender, using his athleticism to be a great rebounder and shot blocker in international and NBA play. His size and physicality offers the national team a different power forward than they have had in recent years, providing isolation opportunities to its even brighter stars.
Center - Chet Holmgren
Honorable Mention: Bam Adebayo
In olympic play, two skills have proven incredibly valuable in terms of winning games, shot blocking and shooting. Chet Holmgren is undoubtedly great at both. The 7’1 center protects the rim like no other. Using his slim frame to block any shot that comes near the hoop, Chet averages around 2.3 blocks per game for the Thunder and would only average more with the Olympics' considerably unique goaltending rules. As stated on the NBC olympics 2024 website “If a ball is blocked before it hits the rim while in downward flight, that will still be a goaltending violation under FIBA rules. However, once the ball hits the rim, any offensive or defensive player can legally play the ball.” This helps taller players like Chet prevent lucky bounces off the rim and grab rebounds in mass numbers. Along with the fact that he shoots 37% from behind the arc, Holmgren was practically born to play olympic basketball. Especially considering he matches up perfectly with the USA biggest future foe France’s Victor Wembanyama, he almost seals his spot for Los Angeles in four years.