USA Basketball is already exploring potential candidates for the 2028 Olympics, with Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg emerging as a possible contender. Flagg’s performance has attracted attention as Team USA prepares for the Los Angeles Games, leveraging early insights to build a promising roster.
Emerging Players Drawing National Attention
ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill highlighted Flagg among several young talents who could merit consideration for Team USA in 2028. A source connected with USA Basketball commented on Flagg’s competitive nature and versatility, saying,
“What I like about him, he really competes and plays hard. He’s good at just about everything.”
Alongside Flagg, Oklahoma City Thunder’s Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein have also been noted as intriguing frontcourt options. Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel has impressed with his shooting ability and may gain traction, especially if Stephen Curry opts out of the 2028 roster.
Other Young Stars in the Olympic Pipeline
Detroit Pistons’ Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren showed strong potential during training camp ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, while Jalen Williams from the Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers’ Evan Mobley are also considered valuable prospects. USA Basketball’s recent scrimmages included 12 players expected to be first-time Olympians in 2028, giving the organization a chance to assess their readiness early.
Flagg, who had not yet started his freshman college season at the time, impressed established players like Anthony Davis during those scrimmages, signaling his ability to compete at the highest level.
Transitioning from Veteran Leadership to New Generation
The gold-medal-winning USA Basketball team at the 2024 Paris Olympics was the oldest in history, featuring seven players with previous Olympic experience. Many of those veterans, such as LeBron James, now 43, and Stephen Curry, nearing 40, are expected to step back by 2028. This shift creates openings for emerging stars like Flagg as well as established players who took smaller roles previously, including Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton and Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum.
Preparing for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games
The Los Angeles Olympics are scheduled to begin on July 14, 2028, presenting a prime opportunity for rising talents to represent the United States on home soil. As USA Basketball continues to evaluate prospects, Cooper Flagg remains a hopeful candidate to make his Olympic debut and contribute to Team USA’s legacy in the years ahead.
