Team USA’s men’s basketball team won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
With the Olympic Games officially closed, it’s never too early to look ahead to the 2028 Summer Olympics set to take place in Los Angeles.
ESPN’s Kevin Pelton predicted Team USA’s 2028 Olympic men’s basketball roster. He has Bam Adebayo, Paolo Banchero, Devin Booker, Jalen Brunson, Anthony Davis, Anthony Edwards, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Haliburton, Chet Holmgren, Tyrese Maxey, Jayson Tatum and Jalen Williams making the team.
Notably, Pelton left off Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes. Along with other contenders like Jaylen Brown, Cade Cunningham, Cooper Flag, De’Aaron Fox, Brandon Miller, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Ja Morant, Trey Murphy III, Jalen Suggs and Zion Williamson.
Pelton said that leaving Barnes off the roster was his “toughest cut”:
“My toughest cut, Barnes has an excellent chance of being an All-NBA player by 2028, when he’s in his prime. He might not fit as easily in an off-ball role, however, particularly with Banchero bringing a similar skill set and more international experience.”
Barnes will be a strong contender to make the team come 2028. What makes him special and separates him from many other players projected to be on the team is his defense. His shot-blocking would compliment whoever starts at center for Team USA. Barnes can also play as a smallball center. His size and strength would make him a viable option for Team USA’s frontcourt.
A lot can change between now and 2028. However, with the way things are trending upwards for Barnes it’s tough to imagine he’d be left off the roster four years from now.
Former Raptors guard Dennis Schroder gets first-team honors at Paris Olympics
Former Toronto Raptors guard Dennis Schroder had a strong showing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
He led Germany to a 4-0 start at the tournament, but they lost to France and Serbia to finish fourth and off the podium.
Schroder’s efforts earned his first-team honors along with Team USA’s Stephen Curry, LeBron James, France’s Victor Wembanyama and Serbia’s Nikola Jokic.
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