The Orlando Magic weren’t represented at all in the Paris Olympics. In fact, the Magic haven’t had an Olympian since the 1996, when Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway made Team USA’s roster. However, according to The Athletic’s Joe Vardon, Orlando Magic franchise star Paolo Banchero “was under serious consideration for the Paris Olympics…”
Furthermore, while the Duke product obviously wasn’t chosen for the team that went Lille, he’s a player USA Basketball director Grant Hill “wants to feature in Olympiads to come.”
Magic’s Paolo Banchero May Be First In 32 Years To Accomplish Feat
Ironically, Banchero is an all-around forward in the mold of players like Hill. With career averages of 21.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 0.9 steals per game, his versatility shows up on the stat sheet. His MVP potential does too, as he averaged 27.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.1 steals per game in the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
Yet, it’s more than just the numbers. Banchero plays the game the right way. He doesn’t rush. He’s constantly looking to make plays for teammates. Whether it’s for an NBA or national team, his point-forward ability and balanced attack are worth building around.
Even better, in 2028, he’ll be 25 years old and closer to his athletic peak. He’ll also be more seasoned and thus have an even higher basketball IQ. Just as importantly, he’ll have had four more seasons to hone his perimeter skills and defense.
Who Is Projected To Return?
Looking ahead to the 2028 L.A. Olympics, there are a number of marquee players who’ll be in contention for a Team USA roster spot.
Minnesota Timberwolves wing Anthony Edwards leads the pack. A high usage rotation player in the Paris Olympics, his star trajectory isn’t just about his soundbites. His precocious talent has him poised to be a top-five or top-10 player by the time 2028 rolls around. Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis has all but confirmed he’ll make his third Olympic appearance. By then, he could be Team USA’s elder statesman, as LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant may have played in their last Olympics.
Edwards and Davis could be joined by at least one of their teammates from the Paris Olympics.
By sacrificing his scoring instincts for defensive effort, Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker has shown he has the team-first mindset Team USA needs. After they won gold, Team USA head coach Steve Kerr went so far as to call him their “unsung hero.” It’s hard to imagine that Boston Celtics centerpiece Jayson Tatum wouldn’t want to return, as few athletes want to go out on a bad note. However, he might need assurances that he’d be part of the rotation in Los Angeles. The same can be said of Indiana Pacers floor general Tyrese Haliburton.
Lastly, there’s Miami Heat big man Bam Adebayo. Adebayo was standout performer during their pre-Olympic exhibitions and a regular rotation player in Paris. With Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra among the favorites to replace Kerr, there’s a good chance that he plays in LA.
If those six players return, six still need to be replaced. Of those six, only half are likely to play a substantial role.
Filling Out The Roster
There are still a few other pieces that Hill can add.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham and Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey may be among the players in consideration for a point guard spot. However, the importance of players like Jrue Holiday in the Paris Olympics could lead to another low-usage defensive-minded addition. If so, players like Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso could make the team as well.
In the frontcourt, Thunder big man Chet Holmgren and Duke forward Cooper Flagg will be chief among Hill’s options.
