On Thursday, it was announced that Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra will take over as Team USA's coach. While the 2028 Olympics are far away, it's still a noteworthy development. Additionally, there's more uncertainty as to who will be suiting up for Team USA three years from now.
However, Anthony Edwards is seemingly the future face of USA 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, most notably, are not going to be a part of this program moving forward. Seems like right now, the only surefire bet to be on this group is someone that Erik Spoelstra has already developed a pretty close relationship throughout their time together in Team USA, and that is one Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves."
Fischer's assessment makes a lot of sense when looking at the players from last year's Olympic squad. As he noted, LeBron, Curry, and Durant will likely have aged out of the Olympics by 2028. At 24 now and 27 in three years, though, Edwards, who is already a superstar, will be ideally positioned to take the reins of USA basketball. The Timberwolves star has already been on the record saying he'll return to the Olympics in 2028.
Anthony Edwards is clearly the face of Team USA basketball
Edwards had 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 likely rule out LeBron, Curry, and Durant from last year's gold medal squad. Beyond them, though, Joel Embiid, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White seem safe bets to rule out. Anthony Davis will be 34 in three years, and it seems unlikely that he'll play in the 2028 Olympics.
While both players are coming off Achilles injuries, assuming health, Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton should have a solid chance to retain 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 strong chance to return, especially Bam, given his connection with Spoelstra. Nevertheless, both players will be 30, and it's not a certainty that they return to Team USA.
In terms of newcomers, Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Evan Mobley, and Cooper Flagg are likely in a prime position. Still, a lot can change in three years, and the Olympics isn't solely about building the most talented roster. As a result, it's easy to conclude that Ant is the only surefire player to be on Team USA three years from now.
Undoubtedly, Edwards has catapulted himself into being the face of USA basketball. Many people already consider Edwards to be the best American-born player; however, it's close between him and Curry.