Rising Rivals: France, Canada, and Team USA in 2028

The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles are shaping up to be a landmark event, not only because the global spectacle is returning to U.S. soil but also due to the fierce competition that awaits Team USA in basketball. As they prepare to defend their storied legacy, the path to gold is anything but certain, with rising powerhouses like France, anchored by the towering Victor Wembanyama, and Canada, driven by the dynamic Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Meanwhile, Serbia’s Nikola Jokic—known for his “old man game” even in his youth—will still be a formidable force at 33 years old.

Team USA, likely entering a new era post-LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant, will need to rely on a blend of veteran savvy and youthful energy to fend off the hungry challengers looking to dethrone the basketball giants on their home turf. As the basketball world speculates about the potential rosters for the USA, Canada, and France, it’s clear that these three nations will be at the forefront of international basketball competition, making the 2028 Games a thrilling showdown of talent and ambition.

Team USA

Here are some potential names that could take the court for Team USA in Los Angeles in 2028. While it might seem unlikely, it’s not entirely out of the question that Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, or even LeBron James might stick around for one last shot at Olympic glory on home soil. The odds may be less than 50/50, but there’s a decent chance that at least one of them—likely Durant—could make a final appearance on the roster.

Team Canada

Zach Edey, the 7’4″ center who has already made a significant impact in college basketball, is poised to become a cornerstone for Team Canada in the 2028 Olympics. Edey’s towering presence and versatile skill set could address the interior strength that Canada lacked in previous Olympic campaigns. As he continues to hone his game, his ability to dominate the paint—whether through shot-blocking, rebounding, or scoring—will be crucial for Canada’s success against the world’s elite teams.

Edey’s synergy with dynamic guards like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray could elevate Canada to new heights, making them one of the most formidable teams in the tournament. With rising stars like Shaedon Sharpe likely joining the roster, Canada is assembling a team that seamlessly blends veteran leadership with youthful exuberance, positioning them as a legitimate threat to challenge Team USA’s basketball supremacy.

Team France

France is expected to field a formidable lineup in the 2028 Olympics, combining the experience of veterans like Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier with the rising stardom of Victor Wembanyama. Wembanyama, who will be a central figure for France, nearly helped lead the team to a gold medal in Paris, falling just short with a 98-87 loss to the USA. After the game, Wembanyama put the basketball world on notice, declaring that he would be ready to deliver in four years. By then, he could realistically be playing at a level that makes him the best player in the NBA.

Let’s take a closer look at the potential team that could surround Wembanyama—a team that will be built around his incredible talent and could very well challenge for Olympic gold in Los Angeles. A potential golden generation is lining up on the same time table as Wembanyama which should be very exciting for the French.

Team Serbia

Nikola Jokic, with his unique style of play, should remain a top-five player in the world even at 33 years old. That passing and vision isn’t going anywhere, and he will always be big and skilled. His exceptional skill set and basketball IQ make him a game-changer, and as long as he continues to perform at a high level, Serbia will remain a formidable contender on the global stage. With Jokic leading the way, potentially still the best player in the world, and Serbia’s unconventional approach to the game will keep them in the mix for Olympic glory.

Conclusion

As we approach the games, these rosters will continue to evolve, with factors like injuries, player development, and shifts in form influencing the final squads. Despite the uncertainties, the anticipation surrounding these potential lineups promises to make the 2028 Olympic basketball tournament one of the most competitive and thrilling in history.