The Paris Olympics saw Team USA achieve success, but as the dust settles, questions about the future remain. While 2024 was a triumph, the landscape for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles is uncertain. A primary concern is the changing roster, which will likely look very different in four years.
Team USA entered the 2024 tournament with immense star power, featuring some of the game’s greatest players. However, by 2028, many of these players will likely no longer be part of the team. Stephen Curry, who made 17 three-pointers over the semifinals and finals, and Kevin Durant, the top scorer in U.S. men’s basketball history, may not return. Perhaps the most significant loss will be Olympic MVP LeBron James, who, at 39, probably had his final Olympic moment in Paris. Aside from Anthony Edwards and Devin Booker, few new stars emerged to carry the torch, but there will be options.
With the rise of international talent, Team USA’s dominance is no longer guaranteed. Even in 2024, they faced stiff competition from teams like Serbia and France. In 2028, with new global stars like Victor Wembanyama, the path to gold will be even more challenging. However, before addressing roster concerns, Team USA must first deal with another critical issue: the coaching situation.
A key question for Team USA is who will lead the team into the 2028 Olympics. Gregg Popovich established a precedent for coaches to serve just one Olympic cycle, and it appears Steve Kerr will follow that pattern. Kerr took over the helm later than expected due to the COVID-19 pandemic, guiding Team USA through both the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 Olympics.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Kerr is not expected to continue as USA Basketball men’s head coach after coaching in the Olympics and last summer’s World Cup and serving as an assistant to Gregg Popovich in the 2019 World Cup and the Tokyo Olympics contested in 2021.
Team USA is now expected to choose between two assistants from Kerr’s staff—Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat or Tyronn Lue of the Los Angeles Clippers.
The role of the Team USA head coach is unique. With a roster stacked with All-NBA talent, tactical adjustments and X’s and O’s are often secondary. The primary responsibility is managing the egos and expectations of superstar players. Rotations, lineups, and timeouts matter, but communication and chemistry between the coach and the players are even more crucial.
For instance, Jayson Tatum’s limited role in the 2024 Olympics raised eyebrows, given his status as one of the NBA’s premier players. In contrast, Devin Booker’s willingness to play a role and sacrifice personal accolades elevated his stock. Balancing these dynamics is key to success, and both Erik Spoelstra and Tyronn Lue are well-equipped to handle this challenge.
Erik Spoelstra and Tyronn Lue are the leading candidates to succeed Steve Kerr as head coach of Team USA. Both have a wealth of experience managing star-studded rosters, making them ideal candidates to take on the unique challenges of coaching Team USA.
Spoelstra, the long-tenured head coach of the Miami Heat, is no stranger to managing elite talent. During the “Heatles” era, Spoelstra successfully navigated the egos of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, leading the Heat to two championships in four NBA Finals appearances. His ability to manage high-pressure situations and maintain locker room harmony has earned him respect across the league.
Beyond his experience with the Heat’s big three, Spoelstra has continued to maximize talent, often leading Miami to success despite having less star power than other teams. His coaching philosophy, which emphasizes teamwork, defense, and adaptability, would align well with the needs of Team USA as they transition to a new generation of players.
Tyronn Lue, currently the head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, also brings a wealth of experience managing top-tier talent. Lue is best known for leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to their historic 2016 NBA Championship, where he successfully balanced the egos of LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love. His ability to make in-game adjustments and handle superstar dynamics sets him apart as one of the NBA’s top coaches.
Since joining the Clippers, Lue has worked with high-profile players like Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden. Despite the challenges of managing injury-prone and ego-heavy rosters, Lue has kept the Clippers competitive. His experience juggling multiple stars would serve him well in the role of Team USA head coach, where the balance between superstar talent and team cohesion is essential.
As the 2028 Olympics approach, Team USA faces several challenges. The potential departure of legendary players like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry will leave a significant void in the roster. While emerging stars like Anthony Edwards may help carry the torch, Team USA will need to identify new leaders and maintain its competitive edge as international basketball talent continues to rise.
Equally important is the coaching transition. Whether the next head coach is Erik Spoelstra, Tyronn Lue, or another candidate, the next leader of Team USA will need to manage egos, build team chemistry, and make crucial adjustments to keep the team at the top of the international basketball world.
The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics present a unique opportunity for Team USA to defend their gold medal on home soil, but with changes on the horizon, it won’t be easy. Grant Hill and USA Basketball face a critical decision as they look to the future, and whoever takes the helm will have to navigate one of the most challenging periods in the team’s history.
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