It's Official! Anthony Davis Commits to Team USA for the 2028 Olympics: Another NBA Superteam in the Making

In the aftermath of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Team USA's gold medal victory in men’s basketball has left the basketball world buzzing with anticipation for the future. While the win was celebrated by all 12 players on the roster, the headlines have been dominated by one man’s decision—Anthony Davis. The Los Angeles Lakers star, who played a pivotal role in securing the gold in Paris, has officially announced his intention to join Team USA for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This decision has set the stage for yet another all-star NBA superteam to represent the United States on the global stage.

A Humble Role, A Big Impact

During the Paris Olympics, Anthony Davis, often regarded as one of the NBA’s biggest stars, took on a role that many might have found surprising. Despite his superstar status, Davis accepted a bench role and focused primarily on defense, sacrificing his usual offensive duties for the greater good of the team. His contributions were invaluable, particularly in the final against France, where he recorded 8 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks, helping Team USA to a 98-87 victory.

Davis’s defensive dominance throughout the tournament didn’t go unnoticed. He finished as Team USA’s leading shot-blocker and, according to advanced metrics, was the most efficient player in the entire Olympic tournament, boasting an efficiency rating of 28.2. This placed him ahead of other international stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo (27.2) and Nikola Jokić (26.5).

The Paris Olympics experience has evidently reignited Davis’s passion for international play. Following the tournament, he wasted no time in expressing his desire to continue representing Team USA, declaring that he is eager to join the squad for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics—despite the fact that he’ll be 35 years old by then. In his own words, Davis is ready to contribute to the team’s success once again, stating, “If LeBron can do it at 35, so can I.”

The Future of Team USA: Superteam in the Making?

The prospect of Anthony Davis leading Team USA at the 2028 Olympics has already sparked excitement and speculation among fans and analysts alike. ClutchPoints journalist Farbod Esnaashari recently predicted what the 2028 Team USA roster might look like, and Davis’s name was prominently featured. The projected roster includes a mix of current NBA stars and rising talents, many of whom played alongside Davis in Paris.

Here’s a glimpse at the predicted lineup: Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker, Bam Adebayo, Tyrese Haliburton, Jaylen Brown, Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, and Paolo Banchero. This star-studded roster, built on the foundation of the Paris Olympics team, boasts players with significant experience in high-pressure international competitions.

The predicted roster, while undoubtedly talented, raises an interesting question: Can the 2028 Team USA live up to the legacy of its predecessors? While it’s true that this team may not be as formidable as the 2024 squad, there’s no denying that it will still be a force to be reckoned with. After all, any team featuring the likes of Durant and Davis is bound to be considered a favorite for gold. Durant, in particular, remains a linchpin for Team USA, and his potential inclusion in 2028 could all but guarantee the team’s continued dominance on the world stage.

Durant’s Olympic legacy is unmatched. He is the first player in men’s basketball history to win four Olympic gold medals and is the all-time leading scorer for Team USA in Olympic competition, with over 400 points. However, there’s no guarantee that Durant will still be playing by the time the 2028 Olympics roll around. At nearly 40 years old by then, Durant might decide to retire before the games, a scenario that would significantly alter the dynamics of Team USA. Durant himself has hinted at the possibility of retirement in recent interviews, saying, “I’m leaning more towards retirement every day, but I’m not sure what comes next.”

Given the uncertainty surrounding Durant’s future, it’s crucial for Team USA to begin preparing for life without their most prolific scorer. Should Durant choose not to participate in the 2028 Olympics, Anthony Davis would likely assume the mantle of team leader. With his experience, talent, and leadership qualities, Davis is more than capable of filling that role.

The Shifting Sands of Leadership

The transition from the current generation of NBA superstars to the next is already underway, and the conclusion of the Paris Olympics marks a significant turning point for Team USA. With LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry approaching the twilight of their careers, the torch is being passed to younger stars like Jayson Tatum and Anthony Edwards.

For Tatum, the Paris Olympics may have been a bittersweet experience. Despite being one of the most talented players on the roster, Tatum saw limited playing time, a decision likely made to balance the lineup and manage his minutes. However, with the inevitable departure of the older generation, Tatum’s time as the face of Team USA is fast approaching. By 2028, he is expected to be one of the team’s primary offensive weapons and a key leader on and off the court.

This generational shift is a natural part of the evolution of Team USA. Each era of players brings its own strengths, challenges, and dynamics. While the team that takes the court in Los Angeles in 2028 will look different from the one that just won gold in Paris, the goal remains the same: to continue the legacy of excellence that has made Team USA the most successful program in international basketball history.

Preparing for a New Era

As the focus shifts to the 2028 Olympics, Team USA must begin the process of building a roster capable of maintaining its position as the world’s premier basketball team. The next four years will be crucial in identifying the players who will lead the team into this new era. The selection process will not only consider talent and skill but also experience, chemistry, and the ability to perform under pressure on the international stage.

Anthony Davis’s commitment to the 2028 Olympics is a significant step in the right direction. His experience, defensive prowess, and versatility make him an invaluable asset to the team. Alongside him, players like Jayson Tatum, Devin Booker, and Bam Adebayo are expected to form the core of the new-look Team USA, bringing a blend of scoring, defense, and leadership that will be essential in the years to come.

However, the success of Team USA in 2028 will also depend on the emergence of younger talents who can step up and contribute in meaningful ways. Players like Tyrese Haliburton, Paolo Banchero, and Anthony Edwards have already shown flashes of brilliance, and their continued development will be key to the team’s success.

Moreover, the coaching staff will play a critical role in guiding this new generation of players. With a mix of experienced veterans and rising stars, the challenge will be to create a cohesive unit that can compete at the highest level. The emphasis will likely be on building team chemistry, developing a defensive identity, and ensuring that every player understands their role within the system.

Looking Ahead to 2028

As Team USA begins its preparations for the 2028 Olympics, the basketball world will be watching closely. The team’s performance in Paris has set a high bar, and expectations will only grow as the Los Angeles games approach. With Anthony Davis committed to leading the charge, there is reason to believe that Team USA will continue to be a dominant force in international basketball.

However, the road to gold in 2028 won’t be easy. The competition is getting stronger, with teams from around the world improving their talent pools and developing more sophisticated strategies. The days of Team USA steamrolling the competition are long gone, and the margin for error has never been smaller.

But if there’s one thing that the Paris Olympics have shown, it’s that Team USA’s strength lies in its depth, versatility, and the willingness of its stars to put the team’s success above their own. As Anthony Davis and his teammates look ahead to 2028, they’ll do so with the confidence that comes from knowing they have what it takes to continue the legacy of excellence that has defined Team USA for generations.

With the 2028 Olympics set to take place in Los Angeles, the pressure to perform will be immense. But for players like Anthony Davis, who will be representing their country on home soil, the stakes couldn’t be higher—or more motivating. As the countdown to the next chapter in Team USA’s storied history begins, one thing is clear: the future of American basketball is in good hands.