The upcoming years are set to bring significant changes and exciting developments in the world of basketball and the Olympics. The 2028 Olympics are set to take place in Los Angeles, marking a return of the Games to the City of Angels. While anticipation builds for this global event, closer on the horizon are the Paris 2024 Games, which will see Team USA Basketball under the guidance of head coach Steve Kerr for the last time.
End of an Era for Steve Kerr
Steve Kerr, a basketball icon both on the court and from the sidelines, is expected to step down as the head coach of Team USA Basketball after the Paris 2024 Games. Kerr himself has confirmed this decision, stating, "To me, it's a two-year; it's a cycle. 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." His reference to Gregg Popovich, and their shared philosophy on coaching tenure, encapsulates a vision of structured transitions and fresh leadership for the national team.
Kerr further explained, "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. Made sense for Coach K to stay on. But I think where we are now, one cycle and you move on." This highlights a strategic shift in coaching methodologies aimed at fostering a dynamic and evolving team environment.
Potential Successors: Erik Spoelstra and Tyronn Lue
As Kerr prepares to step down, the basketball world buzzes with speculation about his successor. The frontrunners for the position are Erik Spoelstra and Tyronn Lue, both of whom have substantial achievements and experience. Spoelstra, the current head coach of the Miami Heat, has led his team to two NBA championships and six NBA Finals appearances. On the other hand, Lue, who coaches the Los Angeles Clippers, brought the Cleveland Cavaliers to three NBA Finals, including a historic championship win in 2016.
Both men were assistant coaches under Kerr during the Paris Games, adding international coaching experience to their extensive resumes. Their collaboration in leading the 2023 FIBA World Cup squad to a fourth-place finish further cements their capabilities on the global stage. However, this fourth-place finish, although respectable, reflects Team USA's ongoing quest to reclaim its top spot, having finished seventh in the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
Looking Ahead: Player Considerations for 2028
While coaching transitions are front and center, player lineup considerations for the 2028 Olympics are also stirring conversations. Jaylen Brown is one of the players being seriously considered for the roster. His rise within the NBA has positioned him as a formidable force and a likely candidate for representing Team USA. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid's decision could add an international twist to the Games. The Philadelphia 76ers' star is contemplating representing Cameroon in Los Angeles.
Another notable player, Anthony Edwards, has made his future international commitments clear. The young star has ruled out competing in the 2027 FIBA World Cup, a decision that will inevitably shape Team USA's strategy and player development in the years leading up to the 2028 Olympics.
As the basketball world prepares for these transitions and the excitement of future competitions, the legacy of current leaders like Steve Kerr, and the potential of upcoming talents and coaches, promise to keep fans engaged and hopeful for what lies ahead. The narrative of Team USA Basketball continues to evolve, marked by cycles of leadership and the perpetual pursuit of excellence on the global stage.