It was announced on Thursday that Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra will take over as coach of Team USA. Although the 2028 Olympic Games are still a long way away, it is still a remarkable development. Additionally, there is more uncertainty about who will suit up for Team USA in three years.
However, Anthony Edwards appears to be the future face of American basketball and is the only player guaranteed to be on the roster. Recently, NBA insider Jake Fischer confirmed this idea.
“It’s going to be a whole new team, a whole new ball game,” Fischer said when discussing the 2028 Olympics. When LeBron [James]Steph Curry and Kevin Durant will not be part of this program moving forward. It seems like the only surefire bet in this group right now is someone with whom Erik Spoelstra has already developed a pretty close relationship during their time together on Team USA, and that is one Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves.”
Fischer’s assessment makes a lot of sense when we look at the players from last year’s Olympic team. As he noted, LeBron, Curry and Durant likely won’t compete in the Olympics again in 2028. At 24 now and 27 in three years, Edwards, already a superstar, will be in an ideal position to take the reins of USA Basketball. The Timberwolves star has already said he will return to the Olympics in 2028.
Anthony Edwards is clearly the face of Team USA basketball
Edwards made an impressive Olympic debut last summer. His 12.8 ppg led all scorers outside of the big three of LeBron, Curry and Durant.
As established, we can probably rule out LeBron, Curry, and Durant from last year’s gold medal squad. But outside of them, Joel Embiid, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White seem like safe bets to rule out. Anthony Davis will turn 34 in three years and it seems unlikely that he will participate in the 2028 Olympics.
While both players are coming off Achilles injuries, assuming good health, Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton should have a solid chance to keep their spots on the roster. Health is a real question, though, and it’s possible Tatum opts out after not playing much last summer.
Devin Booker and Bam Adebayo also have a good chance of returning, especially Bam given his connection to Spoelstra. Nevertheless, both players will be 30, and there is no guarantee they will return to Team USA.
As far as newcomers go, Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Evan Mobley and Cooper Flagg are likely in prime position. Still, a lot can change in three years, and the Olympics aren’t just about building the most talented roster. As a result, it’s easy to conclude that Ant is the only surefire player who will be on Team USA in three years.
Without a doubt, Edwards has catapulted himself into the face of American basketball. Many people already consider Edwards the best American-born player; however, things are tight between him and Curry.
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