The 2024 Summer Olympics ended Sunday night, with the United States winning 126 medals this was the most of the Olympics. Of those, 40 were gold, tying the U.S. with China. Coming into the games, the U.S. basketball teams were expected to dominate. Despite the men’s and women’s teams winning gold medals, both looked shaky, needing heroic efforts to propel them.
The United States also competed in the three-on-three games. The event, which debuted during the 2020 Olympics (held in 2021), saw the women’s second time in the event while the men debuted. The 2021 women’s team, led by WNBA stars Stefanie Dolson, Allisha Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young, took home the event’s first Olympic gold. The men’s debut squad didn’t qualify for the competition.
Both teams struggled in this year’s games. The women’s team won a medal but was a disappointing bronze. The men’s team didn’t even get out of the preliminary stages, finishing 2-5. With such disappointing results, fans and players alike question whether NBA players will be included in the 2028 games in Los Angeles; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green believes they should be, explicitly mentioning Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren as a potential Team USA member.
What exactly did Green say, and is he right? Let’s dive in.
Four-Time NBA Champion: Pistons Big Deserved Olympic Spot
Green’s Take On Duren And Others Playing On Team USA
On his podcast, Green questioned why NBA players weren’t part of the three-on-three Olympic team:
“Why aren’t young NBA players on the 3-on-3 team? Guys that either haven’t gotten an opportunity to play on the national team yet or may never get the chance. Naz Reid, Jalen Green, and big Jalen Duren—this is about building a resume. I think Duren’s on his way to being a superstar, and he’ll probably be on the next Team USA. Tyrese Maxey, imagine Maxey getting his first gold medal in that setting. In 2021, I watched Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young win gold in the 3-on-3. So, this isn’t going to be their first national team gold, but they can already say, ‘I’m an Olympic gold medalist.’ It’s special. I can’t understand how that 3-on-3 team was the one we ended up with. I’m baffled.”
Draymond Green
Green raises a valid point. Integrating young NBA players into the three-on-three team could help build the talent pool for future Team USA rosters. Gaining Olympic experience early might boost their chances of success on the traditional team. However, the players selected for this year’s team were not without merit.
Canyon Barry was part of the U.S. team that won the 3×3 World Cup in 2019 and 2022. Kareem Maddox was also on those teams, leading all players in blocked shots (four) and rebounds (20) in 2019. Dylan Travis, making his debut in the 2022 World Cup, was an NCAA Division II national champion at Florida Southern. Jimmer Fredette led all players in the World Cup, scoring 59 points. Given their past success and experience, it’s understandable why these players were chosen for the Olympic team.
Making The Argument For Duren On Team USA
Duren was part of the select team that helped Team USA prepare for international competition this summer. Looking ahead to 2028, Duren is a strong candidate for the national team. At just 20 years old, he already possesses the physical tools to become one of the league’s most dominant centers. His aggressive approach on both the offensive and defensive boards and his athleticism around the paint are precisely the traits Team USA will seek in the future.
In his two seasons with the Pistons, Duren has shown flashes of his immense potential. He’s averaging 11.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists on 63% shooting and 70% from the free-throw line. If he can develop a reliable go-to move in the post, build on the confidence from his summer workouts, and expand his shooting range, Duren could be a crucial piece in the Pistons’ resurgence.
Defensively, Duren has room to grow. Given his athleticism, there’s no reason he should be averaging less than one block per game. He must work on his discipline, avoid silly fouls, and become a more consistent shot-blocking presence to maximize his potential. With these improvements, Duren could anchor Detroit’s defense and secure his spot on Team USA for years.
The Last Word
While the current three-on-three squad’s selection was based on prior experience and success, integrating emerging NBA players could offer a fresh approach and inject new energy into the roster. As Jalen Duren continues to develop with the Pistons, his future growth will be for Detroit’s resurgence and Team USA.
Ultimately, Team USA’s continued dominance will depend on blending experience with young talent, ensuring the next generation of players is prepared to carry the torch. It’s unclear whether Duren or other rising stars will earn the chance to represent their country in the coming years. Still, one thing is sure: the future of American basketball is in good hands.
