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[Saba Sports News] Team USA Basketball’s managing director, Grant Hill, was already planning for the 2028 Olympics before his team even secured the gold at the 2024 Summer Games in Paris.
The 2024 roster Hill assembled was one of the strongest ever, featuring stars like LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant, who led the team to its fifth consecutive gold medal. However, with the top players aging, many might not return for 2028.
Hill reportedly had 21-year-old Paolo Banchero in mind as a potential candidate for the 2024 Olympics. According to Joe Vardon of The Athletic, Banchero was in “serious consideration” for the Paris Games and is someone Hill wants to feature in future Olympiads.
Team USA originally considered Kawhi Leonard as its 12th man, but health issues led them to select Boston Celtics guard Derrick White instead. Banchero was likely in the mix for that spot but may have been passed over for a role player like White rather than another ball-dominant scorer.
With the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles on the horizon, significant changes are expected for Team USA, including a new head coach, likely chosen from Steve Kerr’s current staff.