USA has re-asserted its hoops dominance. They just dominated in the 2024 Paris Olympics, going a perfect 6-0 and capturing gold in Men’s Basketball for the fifth-straight time. It was a great way to redeem themselves from the disappointing fourth-place finish in last year’s FIBA World Cup.

However, with the likelihood of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant all being in their last Olympic rodeo, given how they’ll be 43, 40, and 39 years old by the time the next one comes, respectively, wondering who may be on the 2028 squad has immediately become an interesting topic. It’s in Los Angeles too, so America ought to be on top.

So, with that, let’s take a peek. Here are some way-too-early predictions, grouped into three: holdovers, likely additions, and youngsters who got next.

The holdovers: Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, Bam Adebayo, Devin Booker, Tyrese Haliburton

Let’s start with the holdovers, a.k.a the guys who were on the 2024 roster. What’s intriguing here is while they are easy, can’t-miss picks, there are a couple of question marks too. Jayson Tatum, for one, was completely benched twice in Paris, and may rightfully opt to sit the next one out.

Then again, it’s still four years away, so who knows? Time should be able to heal the wound.

Anthony Edwards saw plenty of action and was able to showcase his game, and he’s definitely on a path to be one of the top guys in the NBA. As of now, though, he seems out of it as he just filled his last two off-seasons with FIBA and Olympic competition. He’ll have time to recharge.

Devin Booker and Bam Adebayo will possibly be in their third-consecutive Olympics, which could be tough mentally and physically but would also put them in rare air in USAB.

Tyrese Haliburton, who only appeared in three of the six contests in Paris, will be in his absolute peak at age 28 by then, so he may look good too.

The likely additions (tier 1): Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Trae Young, Paolo Banchero, Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, DeAaron Fox

These guys have all been worthy members of the 2024 squad, but missed out due to a variety of reasons. Ja Morant, Trae Young, and Jalen Brunson, for starters, are either injured or coming off an injury.

Jaylen Brown is in the same boat with Tatum, his Boston Celtics running mate, since he was controversially passed over when they were replacing Kawhi Leonard – for Celtics role player Derrick White, interestingly enough.

But, like Tatum, he may very well change his mind when it’s time to decide.

Paolo Banchero is a rising stud and he’s an easy pick for 2028, while DeAron Fox has deserved to be in either the 2021 or 2024 team, so this might be his best chance yet.

The likely additions (tier 2): Tyrese Maxey, Cade Cunningham, Mikal Bridges, Scottie Barnes

Tier 2 are the guys who are young and on the up and up, but also arguably slightly behind the ‘upper tier.’ There’s no denying that the momentum is there, though.

Tyrese Maxey leads this pack as he is fresh-off a career-high 25.9 points per game despite playing behind Joel Embiid. It may go down this season with Paul George also on deck, but it may also help him raise his game more.

Cade Cunningham and Scottie Barnes are 2021 draftees who are now positioned to be franchise players and on the verge of being Olympians.

Mikal Bridges is a versatile wing who has size, can score in bunches, and also defend well. Those qualities are perfect for world competitions – plus, he may be keen to avenge his 2023 FIBA loss.

The youngsters who got next: Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Cooper Flagg, Brandon Miller

Finally, there’s the youngsters who got next. They are full of potential and it will be pretty exciting to see them progress further. Chet Holmgren is the likeliest in this group as he is a young, fast-rising talent that boasts tremendous two-way potential. His Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Jalen Williams could be with him too. They are building something really, really, good in OKC alongside Canadian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, which is another reason why they may be inspired to participate in 2028.

Brandon Miller is one darkhorse candidate for now as he is on the heels of his rookie year. He definitely showed some promise, though, boasting size, shooting, and good potential on athleticism and defense. He has the tools to be the new Paul George.

Last and definitely not the least, is 2025 1st overall pick Cooper Flagg. He’s a skilled and well-built forward that’s looking like a future legit star. He held his own against the 2024 team during the scrimmages, and earned praises from the vets.

Would the 2028 team pose a strong threat without James, Curry, and Durant?

Team USA is always a top-ranked team for a reason. They will have firepower every time, so in that regard, yes, they’ll pose a threat. Whether they can put it together is different, which is what we saw over the last two FIBA World Cup tournaments.