Anthony Davis is open to playing for Team USA at the 2028 Olympics while Kevin Durant did not rule out of the possibility of him playing in the next edition.
LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant came together to lead Team USA to the gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. It was seen as the last hurrah for the three aging icons on the international stage, but it turns out one of the three could still be around for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. When asked about playing in the next edition, Durant didn’t rule out the possibility of him suiting up for the U.S. once again.
“Who knows, man. We’ll see.”
Durant has never turned down an opportunity to play for Team USA at the Olympics. The 35-year-old was part of the team for the 2012, 2016, 2021, and 2024 editions, winning the gold on each occasion.
Durant has also stated in the past that he could play into his 40s, so if he stays relatively healthy, he might well be part of the team in 2028. The Phoenix Suns superstar became the most decorated Olympic male basketball player by winning his fourth gold medal in 2024 and it would be incredible if he wins another.
Durant played a big role in Team USA winning in Paris as well. The 14-time All-Star averaged 13.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game in the tournament.
While Durant isn’t sure whether he’ll participate in the 2028 Olympics, Anthony Davis seems a lot more confident about his status. When Davis was asked if he would return for the next edition, the big man revealed he was open to playing again.
“I think so.”
With Davis, I think health is the biggest concern. The 31-year-old missed the 2016 and 2021 Olympics due to injury and I can’t say I am too optimistic that he’ll be healthy when he’s 35 in 2028. The Los Angeles Lakers star would be a fine addition if he were to be injury-free then, though.
In the 2024 Olympics, Davis averaged 8.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. He excelled off the bench and was part of the closing lineup as well. With the U.S.’s triumph here, he won his second gold medal, having previously been part of that 2012 team along with Durant.
Joel Embiid Might Not Be Playing For Team USA In 2028
Durant and Davis played alongside Joel Embiid in Paris, but they might be playing against him in Los Angeles in four years. Embiid stated he could leave Team USA for Cameroon at the 2028 Olympics.
“It’s been a good experience. It’s been a grind, being away from home and family for a few weeks. But the group of guys we have made it easy. Paris is a great city and the next one is LA. It might not be with Team USA, it might be with Cameroon.”
Embiid has a lot of love for Cameroon, his birth country, so I can understand him wanting to play for them. It’ll be difficult, though, as he has now played for Team USA at a sanctioned tournament.
The only way Embiid would be allowed to play for Cameroon would be if he gets a waiver from FIBA and USA Basketball. While he might get it from FIBA, you wonder if the U.S. would be willing to give it to him. I can’t imagine they’d be all that keen on having him play against them and potentially knock them out of the competition at some point.
