Team USA in 2028

[Wingy]

Looks like all of Canada’s guards/wings will be back, but their bigs will be washed and really long in the tooth. They’ll need Edey to become a really good player and find some big man depth somehow.

Yeah tier current guards/wings will be in their primes and with some young NBA talent their guards and wing depth will be better than ever.

Center will be the massive question make. Olynyk is likely done by then. Hopefully Edey turns out. Still need one more good big to pan out

I remembered him awhile ago, but just remembering to post. While the US has plenty of ‘if’ players too, if Shaedon Sharpe can stay healthy and fulfill his potential that would be huge for Canada.

[Bakomagic]

What's the elite non-American talent that will be relevant in 2028 other than Luka, SGA and Wemby? Jokic and Giannis will likely be on the other side of their peak.

How about maxed or soon to be maxed youngsters in Franz Wagner and Sengun, for starters? Franz & a few end of the bench NBA players were too much for Team USA in WC, and it wasn't much different in the last exhibition. Markkanen is still 27 and his game does not depend on athleticism. And he's great in FIBA. Same can be said for all-NBA Sabonis, if his NT finally decides to use his passing. Note that it is not out of possibility that Luka, SGA, and Wemby would be top 3 players in NBA by 2028 over Edwards, Brunson, Tatum, and who else, Haliburton or Chet Holmgren?

It is early to talk about four years from now on but 3 French players were just drafted at top-6, albeit in an inferior draft class, Traure and Essengue could be top 10 picks next year. Similarly, supposed to be very good 25 draft has maybe 8-9 non-America candidates for being lottery picks, including Khaman Maluach, Egor Demin, Hugo Gonzales.

Call it AAU system, call it increasing popularity and improved access to basketball globally, US and the world in trending in opposite directions in terms of talent. I am not comparing them, just pointing out the trends.

All of the non-American stars you listed play on different national teams though?

They’ll be some tougher years but the US should still be favorites for the foreseeable future.

Haven’t, doesn’t the US youth teams continue to dominate as well?

[madskillz8]

What's the elite non-American talent that will be relevant in 2028 other than Luka, SGA and Wemby? Jokic and Giannis will likely be on the other side of their peak.

How about maxed or soon to be maxed youngsters in Franz Wagner and Sengun, for starters? Franz & a few end of the bench NBA players were too much for Team USA in WC, and it wasn't much different in the last exhibition. Markkanen is still 27 and his game does not depend on athleticism. And he's great in FIBA. Same can be said for all-NBA Sabonis, if his NT finally decides to use his passing. Note that it is not out of possibility that Luka, SGA, and Wemby would be top 3 players in NBA by 2028 over Edwards, Brunson, Tatum, and who else, Haliburton or Chet Holmgren?

It is early to talk about four years from now on but 3 French players were just drafted at top-6, albeit in an inferior draft class, Traure and Essengue could be top 10 picks next year. Similarly, supposed to be very good 25 draft has maybe 8-9 non-America candidates for being lottery picks, including Khaman Maluach, Egor Demin, Hugo Gonzales.

Call it AAU system, call it increasing popularity and improved access to basketball globally, US and the world in trending in opposite directions in terms of talent. I am not comparing them, just pointing out the trends.

All of the non-American stars you listed play on different national teams though?

They’ll be some tougher years but the US should still be favorites for the foreseeable future.

Haven’t, doesn’t the US youth teams continue to dominate as well?

The poster I replied was asking for non-American talent though. And it is not like a team needs to have multiple all-stars to has a chance against US. One star, couple of decent players often give enough trouble considering the potential US team in 2028- Canada and Germany were examples from last summer. You can think of many other teams from last 10-20 years.

US didn't win in last youth tournaments but it often means nothing since their growth is not linear. If you can find two early-bloomers (physically) and one player with pro-experience, you can easily dominate in such age-restricted competitions. Turkey, for example, was always top 3 in youth groups with those early bloomers, but %95 of their youth players failed to become decent players in pro leagues where everybody has similar physical abilities. For example, 6'10 forward Izan Almansa was the best player of his generation since he was taller stronger and faster than other kids but now he is destined to be the second round pick in 25 draft.

Watch on YouTube

Watch the video, you'll see what I mean.

[TFJava]

What are the chances one or all three of these players are on the 2028 USA team?

- Zion Williamson
- Ja Morant
- Matas Buzelis

[Braggins]

in 2028 (w/ age)

PG ~ Tyrese Haliburton (28)
SG ~ Anthony Edwards (26)
SF ~ Jayson Tatum (30)
PF ~ Chet Holmgren (26)
C ~ Bam Adebayo (31)

G ~ Jalen Brunson (31)
G ~ Devin Booker (31)
G/F ~ Brandon Miller (25)
F ~ Cooper Flagg (21)
F ~ Paolo Banchero (25)
F/C ~ Jaren Jackson Jr (28)
C ~ Evan Mobley (27)

Anthony Davis would be a shoe in and probably the starter if I was comfortable projecting him to be healthy four years from now.

Edit: I thought Paolo played for a different country and initially didn't include him.

[Rainwater]

in 2028 (w/ age)

PG ~ Tyrese Haliburton (28)
SG ~ Anthony Edwards (26)
SF ~ Jayson Tatum (30)
PF ~ Chet Holmgren (26)
C ~ Bam Adebayo (31)

G ~ Jalen Brunson (31)
G ~ Devin Booker (31)
G/F ~ Jaylen Brown (31)
F ~ Brandon Miller (25)
F ~ Cooper Flagg (21)
F/C ~ Jaren Jackson Jr (28)
C ~ Evan Mobley (27)

Anthony Davis would be a shoe in and probably the starter if I was comfortable projecting him to be healthy four years from now.

No Paolo, Cade, Zion, or Morant?!?!? Paolo is especially shocking since he played for the US in the world championship.

[Above The Rim]

Talent will never be the issue. But the teams will need to be carefully crafted as we’ve been starting to see. Under the scope of 40 minute games with limited practices together, lower tier nba players can take over against anyone . That’s what we’ve known since 2004. If it was a 20 game tournament, we’d see the difference of the NBA all stars, but it’s not. I know there are all-nba players on other teams as well, but there’s not more than 1 per team. We know what they can do, the concern is more what their teammates can do.

I’ll say this- Durant is a freak of nature and will be hard to replace. I don’t think anyone can step in and shoot like him in the Olympics setting each and every game. It’s assumed that this is his final Olympics but I’d be curious what he’s up to in 2028 (assuming he’s in nba or very recently retired). Seems crazy but he’s in a league of his own in this format.

[Saints14]

There have been some strong American prospects since 2021 that will be in or near their prime in 2028, plus prospects like Flagg, Boozer and Dybantsa that could good enough by then to stash at the back of the roster. I wouldn’t feel comfortable picking a roster at this point, but I’d expect a handful of these guys to really break out before then:

Cade
Mobley
Barnes
Holmgren
Banchero
J Williams
J Smith
Scoot
B Miller
Amen Thompson
Sheppard
Flagg

Plus guys like Ant, Haliburton, maybe Zion and LaMelo that will be fully in their primes by then. Should be a new era of US stars by then, but I’d expect the team to be good

[heezyo2o]

They removed the multi year commitment which helps bring older guys like Lebron and KD, but moving forward I think they should consider bringing that requirement back to have some cohesiveness and a more team oriented offense

Just picking the current crop of all stars doesn't work in the Fiba world cup and without guys like KD to fall back on, it probably doesn't work in olympics anymore either.

[Wingy]

What are the chances one or all three of these players are on the 2028 USA team?

- Zion Williamson
- Ja Morant
- Matas Buzelis

Zion being healthy enough for this 4 years from now would be absolutely shocking. Obviously welcome, but ridiculously shocking. KD might have a better shot at 2028 than Zion.

Kinda crazy you were only the 2nd person to mention Ja in the thread. Holy forgotten man (yeah, I totally forgot him). Yeah, I mean, if he stays healthy and gets his head screwed on straight he absolutely has a chance to be a huge difference maker. Do have some doubts with how his game meshes with FIBA though (carries/traveling).

Matas? Why the mention? I’m a Bulls fan and have solid hopes, but Team USA seems overly ambitious and optimistic at this stage.

[Wingy]

They removed the multi year commitment which helps bring older guys like Lebron and KD, but moving forward I think they should consider bringing that requirement back to have some cohesiveness and a more team oriented offense

Just picking the current crop of all stars doesn't work in the Fiba world cup and without guys like KD to fall back on, it probably doesn't work in olympics anymore either.

I like the idea, getting back to more continuity. Maybe not even require the Worlds, but at least require a camp the summer before barring a major injury.

Put the camp somewhere players actually enjoy and can bring their families. Commitment doesn’t need to equal massive inconvenience or significant time away.

[Braggins]

in 2028 (w/ age)

PG ~ Tyrese Haliburton (28)
SG ~ Anthony Edwards (26)
SF ~ Jayson Tatum (30)
PF ~ Chet Holmgren (26)
C ~ Bam Adebayo (31)

G ~ Jalen Brunson (31)
G ~ Devin Booker (31)
G/F ~ Jaylen Brown (31)
F ~ Brandon Miller (25)
F ~ Cooper Flagg (21)
F/C ~ Jaren Jackson Jr (28)
C ~ Evan Mobley (27)

Anthony Davis would be a shoe in and probably the starter if I was comfortable projecting him to be healthy four years from now.

No Paolo, Cade, Zion, or Morant?!?!? Paolo is especially shocking since he played for the US in the world championship.

I thought Paolo played for another country? Zion is always hurt. Morant might not be a great fit for FIBA play. Don't really see Cade as someone who is for sure going to get to the level of being a definite team USA player.

[Edrees]

We should probably focus on this year's team before we think about 4 years from now. There's way too many variables to accurately predict what will happen in four years.

^agree with the take. There's no "Legend" or IT factor in the group. You can only hope Edwards develop to become that guy but the crop of players for 2028 ain't scaring nobody.

Kevin Durant is well past his prime on a torn achilles isn't the Kevin Durant from 5-6 years ago. He's not "scary" right now either. He's not "IT". There is a good chance Team USA"s younger players are better than the current version of KD considering both sides of the ball.

Lebron James is well past his prime and isn't the Lebron James of 7 or 8 years ago. He's not "Scary" right now either. He is a top 10 player still yes, but there's a good chance Team USA"s younger players are better than the current version of Lebron.

I think you guys are over thinking it. You are acting like you we are taking prime Lebron and prime KD off Team USA. No, we are taking past their primes versions of these players and putting IN THEIR PRIMES version of currently young stars on the team. I do not see a big dropoff.

Perhaps a slight downgrade, but nothing concerning.

The only reason you are thinking we are losing "IT" players or generational players is because you are thinking of KD and Lebron's careers as whole. Focus on the players they are today and you aren't losing a generational player, you're just losing a typical top5-top10 player which is replaceable.

We'll be losing is Lebron's valuable veteran leadership, but someone can step up to the plate.

[Wingy]

We should probably focus on this year's team before we think about 4 years from now. There's way too many variables to accurately predict what will happen in four years.

^agree with the take. There's no "Legend" or IT factor in the group. You can only hope Edwards develop to become that guy but the crop of players for 2028 ain't scaring nobody.

Kevin Durant is well past his prime on a torn achilles isn't the Kevin Durant from 5-6 years ago. He's not "scary" right now either. He's not "IT". There is a good chance Team USA"s younger players are better than the current version of KD considering both sides of the ball.

Lebron James is well past his prime and isn't the Lebron James of 7 or 8 years ago. He's not "Scary" right now either. He is a top 10 player still yes, but there's a good chance Team USA"s younger players are better than the current version of Lebron.

I think you guys are over thinking it. You are acting like you we are taking prime Lebron and prime KD off Team USA. No, we are taking past their primes versions of these players and putting IN THEIR PRIMES version of currently young stars on the team. I do not see a big dropoff.

Perhaps a slight downgrade, but nothing concerning.

The only reason you are thinking we are losing "IT" players or generational players is because you are thinking of KD and Lebron's careers as whole. Focus on the players they are today and you aren't losing a generational player, you're just losing a typical top5-top10 player which is replaceable.

We'll be losing is Lebron's valuable veteran leadership, but someone can step up to the plate.

No, not really at all. What’s “concerning” (cause it’s only basketball after all) for USA basketball is that these current versions of KD and Lebron are so clearly integral to this team’s success. That’s one of the foundations of the thread. The current group is weak relative to the past and apparently needs to lean on the geriatric versions of these guys. Even their old versions may be more impactful than the current generation (eg - Tatum, Embiid, Booker). You can even count Jrue as part of the departing old guard.

Then yeah, the other point of the thread is projecting what will be compared to Team USAs of the past. There is no one on the horizon that has the look of a Lebron, KD, Kobe, Magic, Shaq, Larry, Mike in their prime. This is the first time in my decades of following the game where there isn’t a single iconic American player in sight after this edition. In the past there have usually been multiple.

Yet, a weaker USA is still the favorite. I’m not getting it that twisted. Just positing that 2028 will be the most vulnerable USAB will be to disappointment compared to its historic and much assumed expectations.

[Klomp]

It's interesting looking back at the Dream Team....

Larry and Magic were both past their primes....heck, they were both retired (save for Magic's return years later). But then the next 9 guys were 9 of the 10 guys on the previous season's all-NBA first and second teams. Poor Tim Hardaway, Laettner got his spot.

This year on all-NBA, Tatum is the lone American on the first team, and he just got a DNP-CD. Nine of the 10 guys on second and third teams are Americans, though Brunson didn't make the team and Kawhi wasn't healthy enough (shocker).

In building out for 2028, I would monitor a couple of lists....recent all-rookie teams and all defense teams. I think it's interesting that half of the Americans who made all-defense this year are on the Olympic roster (Adebayo, Davis, Holiday, White). I don't think that's a coincidence. And watch out for young guys. Chet Holmgren, Brandon Miller, Dereck Lively, GG Jackson.....these are guy who will grow by leaps and bounds in the next four years, as Edwards and Haliburton have.

A couple guys who are only a year older than Ant and Tyrese are interesting if healthy too in Zion and Ja.

[Fencer reregistered]

USA Basketball has some groveling in its future if it wants Tatum and Brown. But 4 years is a long time.

Banchero seems like an obvious guy to join the team too. And Cooper Flagg might be the young guy.

[SweaterBae]

Stop catering to these old guys and non defensive players. They gonna have to get some guys who are dawgs on defense.

Serbia was absolute trash on defense, hands down, didn't close out, didn't rotate, guys wide open the entire game.

[CodeBreaker]

Ja Morant and Ant Edwards backcourt would be fun

[Sakkreth]

What are the chances one or all three of these players are on the 2028 USA team?

- Zion Williamson
- Ja Morant
- Matas Buzelis

Buzelis is playing for Lithuania, so 0%

[TFJava]

What are the chances one or all three of these players are on the 2028 USA team?

- Zion Williamson
- Ja Morant
- Matas Buzelis

Zion being healthy enough for this 4 years from now would be absolutely shocking. Obviously welcome, but ridiculously shocking. KD might have a better shot at 2028 than Zion.

Kinda crazy you were only the 2nd person to mention Ja in the thread. Holy forgotten man (yeah, I totally forgot him). Yeah, I mean, if he stays healthy and gets his head screwed on straight he absolutely has a chance to be a huge difference maker. Do have some doubts with how his game meshes with FIBA though (carries/traveling).

Matas? Why the mention? I’m a Bulls fan and have solid hopes, but Team USA seems overly ambitious and optimistic at this stage.

With Matas, I think he may surprise some people. He has a lot of up-side, I just got a feeling, that he will be a real good player in the NBA.