The countdown to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles has already begun, and changes are in the air for Team USA Basketball. With Steve Kerr expected to step down as head coach following the Paris 2024 Games, the anticipation about his successor has reached fever pitch.
New Leadership on the Horizon
Kerr himself has been clear about the cyclical nature of the coaching role for Team USA. "To me, it's a two-year; it's a cycle," he stated. Reflecting on his tenure and the tradition set by previous coaches, he added, "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."
The frontrunners to don the mantle after Kerr are Erik Spoelstra and Tyronn Lue, both of whom have impressive resumes. Spoelstra has led the Miami Heat to two NBA championships and six NBA Finals appearances, earning considerable respect across the basketball community. On the other hand, Lue has guided the Cleveland Cavaliers to three NBA Finals and secured a championship in 2016.
Familiar Faces in New Roles
The prospective head coaches are no strangers to the international stage. Spoelstra and Lue served as assistant coaches under Kerr during the Paris Games, establishing continuity and a sense of shared mission within the coaching staff. They also led the 2023 FIBA World Cup squad to a fourth-place finish—a respectable outcome, though not without its challenges.
Kerr reflected on the evolution of coaching tenures, contrasting his role with that of his predecessors. "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," he explained. "Made sense for Coach K to stay on. But I think where we are now, one cycle and you move on."
The Road Ahead
Spoelstra and Lue’s task will not be easy. Team USA's performance in recent FIBA World Cups has shown the competitive unpredictability in international basketball. The team finished a disappointing seventh in 2019 before improving to fourth in 2023. Their goal, however, remains clear: to reclaim their dominance in global basketball competitions.
Looking ahead to the 2028 Olympics, potential roster decisions are already stirring conversation among fans and analysts alike. Jaylen Brown is being considered for the team, adding a versatile and dynamic asset to the lineup. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid’s decision to represent Cameroon rather than Team USA could impact the dynamics of the competition. On the other hand, rising star Anthony Edwards has ruled out competing in the 2027 FIBA World Cup, focusing his efforts elsewhere.
The upcoming years will be crucial for Team USA Basketball, both in terms of coaching changes and player selections. With the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, the groundwork laid in the next few seasons will be instrumental in shaping the future of American basketball on the global stage.
The basketball world will be watching closely as Spoelstra and Lue possibly take the reins, hoping to lead Team USA to new heights. Their previous collaboration and individual successes have set high expectations, but the challenges of international basketball will test their mettle. Only time will tell if they can build on Kerr’s foundation and reclaim the glory that has long been associated with Team USA Basketball.