Team USA won their fifth-straight gold medal in men’s basketball on Saturday after their win over France. The star-studded lineup had a couple close calls during their run, but they were able to reach their ultimate goal. Some players on this year’s team aren’t likely to be there for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California. LeBron James has stated he can’t see himself playing in 2028 when he will be 43 years old. Stephen Curry will be 40 and Kevin Durant will be 39 when the 2028 Olympics are taking place.
Here are 10 players that potentially could be a part of Team USA’s 2028 team that have never played in the Olympics before. Players are listed in alphabetical order by last name, and age listed is how old they will be on August 1, 2028.
10 Potential First-Time Olympians For Team USA In 2028
Paolo Banchero (Age: 25)
Just two seasons into his NBA career, Paolo Banchero has become the clear leader of an ascending Orlando Magic team. The first overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the six-foot-10 forward was the runaway victor for the 2022-23 Rookie of the Year (received 98 of 100 first-place votes). He and the Magic took a step forward last season earning a trip to the playoffs where they took the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games in the opening round before falling.
Scottie Barnes (Age: 27)
Scottie Barnes was named the 2021-22 Rookie of the Year after being chosen fourth overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. He will turn 27 years old on August 1, 2028. The six-foot-seven forward was named an All-Star for the first time last season. Barnes has really become more of an all-around player with the Toronto Raptors in just three seasons with them, and he recorded four triple-doubles in 2023-24.
Jaylen Brown (Age: 31)
Of course, there was the whole controversy over Jaylen Brown not being selected as the replacement for Team USA once Kawhi Leonard was needed to be replaced. Time can heal a lot of wounds though over four years. Brown is the reigning Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals MVP.
Jalen Brunson (Age: 31)
Jalen Brunson has become the ultimate fan favorite on the New York Knicks. Last season, he made the All-NBA Second Team and finished fifth in MVP voting. The six-foot-two point guard averaged 32.4 points and 7.5 assists in his 13 postseason outings last season.
Cade Cunningham (Age: 26)
Cade Cunningham, the first overall pick in 2021, hasn’t yet been seen as one of the game’s best players. Injuries and being on such a bad Detroit Pistons team have been major causes for this. He still had his best season in 2023-24. Cunningham averaged career-bests in scoring and assists while also having career-highs across the board in field goal, three-point, and free throw percentage.
Cooper Flagg (Age: 21)
Expected by many to be the first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Cooper Flagg is preparing for his freshman year at Duke. The six-foot-nine forward was a part of the Team USA Select Team where he impressed many of the Team USA members that just won a gold medal.
Chet Holmgren (Age: 26)
After sitting out the first season with a foot injury after he was taken second overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Chet Holmgren appeared in every game this past season. He finished as the runner-up for Rookie of the Year, an award he would have won most seasons. Last season though, nobody was topping the generational Victor Wembanyama. The seven-foot-one center was one of the main reasons that the Oklahoma City Thunder finished as the top seed in the Western Conference.
Tyrese Maxey (Age: 27)
The 2023-24 Most Improved Player, Tyrese Maxey made his first trip to the All-Star Game last season. With James Harden leaving via trade to the Los Angeles Clippers, Maxey got to handle the ball much more for the Philadelphia 76ers. Joel Embiid, the newly-signed Paul George, and himself make up one of the best team trios in the NBA.
Ja Morant (Age: 28)
Let’s hope four years from now, Ja Morant has put the troubled past behind him. This way, people are able to just pay attention to how he excels on the court. The six-foot-two point guard is a nightmare for opposing defenders trying to stay in front of him. Morant played just nine games last season due to suspension and injury, so the Memphis Grizzlies are hoping he can remain on the court in 2024-25.
Zion Williamson (Age: 28)
Speaking of injury, that has been the clear bugaboo for Zion Williamson in his NBA career. He did play a career-high 70 games last season. Williamson got hurt during the Play-In Tournament though and missed the New Orleans Pelicans first round matchup against the Thunder. There is no doubting that Williamson is one of the most dominant forces in the league when healthy though.
