USA Basketball's road to 2028: New era, new coach, new decisions - ESPN

ESPN

by Vincent Goodwill

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

USA Basketball is entering a new era as it prepares for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, with changes on the horizon that could significantly impact its quest for another gold medal. While Team USA dominated the Paris Games in 2024, relying heavily on an aging roster led by Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry, the future holds uncertainties. Both James and Curry have hinted at retirement, leaving questions about their availability for the next Olympics. However, Durant remains committed to continuing his international basketball journey, vowing to stay relevant and prove his worth to the team. The leadership of USA Basketball is also evolving. Grant Hill, the managing director, faces crucial decisions regarding roster selection and coaching. He has already made one significant change by replacing Steve Kerr with Erik Spoelstra as head coach for the 2028 Games. This shift in coaching could influence how the team approaches international play, particularly in adapting to the fast-paced, physical style of modern basketball. Durant’s continued involvement is crucial for Team USA, given his leadership and scoring prowess. However, the absence of James and Curry could leave a significant gap in both playmaking and veteran guidance. Anthony Edwards and Bam Adebayo are expected to step up as key contributors, but the rest of the roster remains uncertain. Hill must decide whether to focus on building a cohesive unit or prioritize star power, a decision that will heavily influence the team's success. With the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar looming and the 2028 Olympics representing the first time Los Angeles will host the event, the stakes are high. Global competition is tightening, with teams like Serbia and France showing strong performances in

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/23/2026