Former NBA champion Richard Jefferson has stirred the pot regarding Team USA’s chances in the upcoming 2028 Olympics, suggesting that American basketball dominance may be in jeopardy. Despite Team USA’s recent success at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they claimed gold, Jefferson’s bold prediction indicates that the U.S. may not repeat that feat in Los Angeles, even with the advantage of playing on home soil.
During an episode of the Road Trippin’ podcast, Jefferson stated emphatically, “The U.S. will not win gold in Los Angeles, California. Boom.” His comments come on the heels of a challenging path to victory in 2024, where Team USA, featuring superstars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Joel Embiid, had to mount a remarkable comeback against Serbia in the semifinals and narrowly defeated France in the final.
Jefferson’s skepticism is rooted in the aging of key players. By 2028, Curry and Durant will be in their late 30s, while LeBron James will be well into his 40s, making their participation uncertain. Additionally, Embiid, who played a pivotal role in the 2024 success, may also be past his prime. The absence of these elite veterans raises concerns about Team USA’s ability to compete at the highest level.
Even when co-host Channing Frye suggested a potential 2028 roster filled with young talents such as Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, and Paolo Banchero, Jefferson was not convinced. He emphasized that while individual talent is crucial, the ability to forge a cohesive, balanced team is what ultimately determines success.
Among the potential challengers, Jefferson believes France could emerge as the most formidable threat. With rising star Victor Wembanyama and other emerging talents like Zacharie Risacher and Alexandre Sarr, France is cultivating a deep, athletic roster that may rival the U.S. in both chemistry and physicality. Jefferson pointed out Team USA’s recent reliance on foreign-born big men, like Embiid, and noted that many of today’s dominant centers, including Wembanyama, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, hail from Europe.
Historically, Team USA has thrived with powerhouse American big men such as David Robinson, Karl Malone, and Dwight Howard. Jefferson warns that without a strong American-born center to anchor the team in 2028, the U.S. could risk losing its competitive edge.
His perspective reflects a broader acknowledgment of how global basketball has evolved. For Team USA to succeed in 2028, it will require more than just star names on a roster; it will demand strategic planning, depth, and strong team chemistry. As the landscape of international basketball continues to shift, the challenge for Team USA will be to adapt and thrive amidst rising competition.
The upcoming Olympics will not only test the resolve of American basketball but also showcase the increasing prowess of international teams. With the likes of France and Serbia on the rise, the pressure will be on Team USA to prove that they can still dominate the global stage. As the countdown to 2028 begins, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this narrative unfolds.