The 2024 US Olympic basketball team had the ultimate superstar roster that featured vintage LeBron James, along with prime-time Steph Curry and the steady consistency of Keven Durant.
Despite the stellar efforts of this Olympic Big Three, however, the US was consistently challenged by supposedly lesser teams. And with Victor Wembanyama poised to continue his remarkable development, the challenges posed by countries like France will only continue to grow.
Which brings us to the future. Steph, LeBron and KD won't be on the roster in 2028, which means several current NBA stars will have to step up. Here are five roster locks for 2028 who will have to elevate their games, along with a couple of intriguing possibilities going forward.
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Physically, Edwards is every bit the rising superstar the US needs to win the gold medal in LA. He's an athletic marvel who's still developing his scoring prowess and overall game, and who knows what level he'll reach by 2028. Edwards still talks big occasionally without backing it up on the floor, but if his emotional maturation matches his ongoing physical development, watch out. He'll be the primary man to watch in LA.
Tyrese Halliburton, Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers guard sat and watched in Paris, and he never complained about being benched or not getting minutes. Like Edwards, his physical talent makes him a lock to make the Olympic roster in 2028, and he's already proven he can run an explosive offense at a very high level. Halliburton has had some hamstring issues that will need to be ironed out in the next couple of years, but assuming this happens he'll be the point guard and floor leader the US needs to complement Edwards.
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Well now, this is, um...awkward? Tatum was benched by US coach Steve Kerr in Paris, which was especially embarrassing for both parties given that Tatum had just helped lead Boston to a title. Tatum handled the situation well by saying all the right things at the right time, but there were numerous reports from behind the scenes that he wasn't happy about being put in this position at all. He still falls into bad isolation habits that don't necessarily play well in the Olympic format, but he won't have to defer to LeBron in 2028, which should help matters when he gets extended minutes, and Kerr won't be coaching, either.
Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
Banchero is already a prolific scorer with a fast-developing game, and the only thing that keeps him from landing higher on this list is Orlando's point guard situation, which led to a stagnant offense that kept him from reaching the next level. Assuming he gets there by 2028, he's another big, rangy athlete who can play both down low and on the wing, which make him an indispensable addition to the 2028 roster in LA.
Jaylen Brown
Brown represents yet another bowl of awkward for the US Olympic hoops team, as Grant Hill selected lesser teammate Derrick White over Brown to go to Paris when injuries to Kahwi Leonard forced Hill to make a roster swap. Like Tatum, Brown has proven himself to be a force with his all-around floor game, and his relentless work to improve himself every year bodes well for what he'll be able to provide in LA at age 31.
Can Bam Adebayo be the NBA big this team needs?
The weakness of this starting five as currently constituted is the lack of size, and Anthony Davis won't be around in 2028 to protect the rim against guys like Wembanyama. Adebayo doesn't have Davis's size, but right now he represents the best US option to fill that void.
The Cooper Flagg Factor
Yes, we know he's barely out of high school, but given the hype and the way he held his own against guys like Lebron and Davis in this year's Olympic practices, we'd be crazy not to mention him. Is he a future star who can make or lead this roster? It's one of the best mystery story lines going forward.
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