Team USA was still celebrating their fifth straight Olympic gold medal on Saturday night.
Talk quickly shifted to the future of the U.S. men’s basketball team and who might replace LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant when the Olympics return to Los Angeles in 2028. Questions arose about whether Jaylen Brown would reconcile with USAB and join the team or if Jayson Tatum, who mostly sat on the bench in Paris, would decline an invitation for 2028.
Warriors sophomore Brandin Podziemski was particularly vocal about his ambitions for Team USA. He felt left out when a fan’s projected roster for 2028 didn’t include him.
Future Stars:
Podziemski tweeted his disappointment but also has a good start with Team USA. This summer, he was part of the Select Team that helped prepare the main squad for Paris. His rookie season with the Warriors was impressive, averaging 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, earning him a spot on the All-Rookie First Team.
Fans might think it’s exciting to see young players like Podziemski aiming high for future Olympics.
The young guard is not short on confidence either; after playing in the Rising Stars Challenge in February, he promised he’d make a future All-Star team and even called himself Curry’s heir at Golden State. His self-assurance has won over many within the Warriors organization, including owner Joe Lacob who blocked a trade involving Podziemski for All-Star Lauri Markkanen.
During Summer League, Lacob even labeled Podziemski as “a future All-Star” and essential to their franchise’s future.
While Podziemski is hopeful for L.A. 2028, another strong contender is Magic’s rising star Paolo Banchero. According to The Athletic’s Joe Vardon, Banchero was close to making it to Paris but missed out on the final cut.
One thing is clear: LeBron James will not be part of Team USA in L.A., as he confirmed post-Paris Games that he’s done with Olympic basketball.
What do you think about these young talents stepping up?
