The 2028 Olympics will see Los Angeles once again hosting the world's premier sporting event. As the excitement builds for this momentous occasion, major shifts are expected within Team USA Basketball that could affect the team’s future performance on the global stage.
With the 2024 Paris Games on the horizon, Steve Kerr has announced his intention to step down as the head coach of Team USA Basketball following the event. This news marks the end of a celebrated era and opens the door for new leadership.
Potential Successors: Erik Spoelstra and Tyronn Lue
Two names have emerged as the frontrunners to take over from Kerr: Erik Spoelstra and Tyronn Lue. Both are seasoned NBA head coaches with significant accomplishments. Spoelstra has led the Miami Heat to two NBA championships and six NBA Finals appearances. On the other hand, Lue guided the Cleveland Cavaliers to three NBA Finals appearances, including a memorable 2016 championship win.
Spoelstra and Lue are not strangers to the international stage, having served as assistant coaches under Kerr during the 2024 Paris Games. Their experience and track record make them ideal candidates to continue the legacy of excellence in USA Basketball.
Looking Back: Recent Performances
The duo’s coaching prowess was on display at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where they led Team USA to a commendable fourth-place finish. Despite not securing a podium spot, the performance was an improvement from the seventh-place finish in the 2019 FIBA World Cup. Steve Kerr’s approach to coaching has always been about cycles and transitions. "To me, it's a two-year; it's a cycle," he reflected. "Pop coached a World Cup and the Olympics, now it's my turn to pass the baton. I think that's kind of how it should be."
Kerr has acknowledged the different eras of USA Basketball, comparing the current approach to the tenure of Mike Krzyzewski and Jerry Colangelo. "I think it was different the last go-around with Coach K (Mike Krzyzewski) and Jerry (Colangelo), when they were really establishing this culture and this system where guys had to commit for a couple years," he said. "Made sense for Coach K to stay on. But I think where we are now, one cycle and you move on."
Future Roster Speculations
As Team USA prepares for these transitions, attention also turns to potential players for the 2028 Olympics. Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown is reportedly being considered for the roster, which could significantly bolster the team's performance. Adding a twist to the international competition, Cameron-born NBA star Joel Embiid is contemplating representing Cameroon at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Such a move could add an intriguing dynamic to the basketball events.
Meanwhile, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards has ruled out competing in the 2027 FIBA World Cup. His decision will undoubtedly influence the composition and strategy of the team leading up to the Olympic year.
In conclusion, USA Basketball is at a pivotal point as it heads into the Paris 2024 Games and beyond. With potential leadership changes and a new batch of star players, the team's future is both promising and uncertain. As Los Angeles prepares to welcome athletes from around the world, the stage is set for another chapter in the storied legacy of Team USA Basketball.