The U.S. men's basketball team is already drawing attention for its potential roster at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, with projections pointing to a lineup capable of competing for gold on home soil.
The projected starting five features Cade Cunningham, Anthony Edwards, Cooper Flagg, Jayson Tatum and Bam Adebayo — a combination offering shot creation, perimeter defense, versatility, athleticism and size.
Unlike several past Team USA rosters, every player in this projected starting five is either entering or already in the prime of his career, suggesting a blend of experience and peak performance.
Edwards was an early standout at the Paris Olympics, averaging 12.8 points per game and proving his ability to perform on the international stage.
Cunningham is regarded as a strong fit for Olympic basketball — a big guard who plays physical defense and can impact the game without requiring high shot volume. He can operate on and off the ball. His play this season has drawn MVP-level comparisons, and his size and defensive profile make him a natural complement to Tyrese Haliburton.
Other contenders for the 2028 roster include Haliburton and Tyrese Maxey. Donovan Mitchell and Jalen Brunson, both 31 in 2028, are also potential first-time Olympians after previous World Cup appearances.
Kevin Durant, a veteran seeking a fifth gold medal, is expected to be on the team but will be 39 when the Los Angeles Games arrive. He would likely come off the bench, providing depth and experience.
Chet Holmgren is another name in the mix, offering a potential answer to Team USA's concerns about matching international size.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Dončić are not eligible for Team USA — Gilgeous-Alexander is Canadian and Dončić is Slovenian. Stephen Curry, who will be 40 in 2028, is not expected to return.
Olympics.com projects a 12-man roster could chase a sixth consecutive gold medal. This group, if it materializes, presents few apparent weaknesses.
