USA Basketball is turning to NBA royalty to guide the next generation of American hoops dominance.
Sources have confirmed that Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra is expected to take over as head coach of the men’s national team, succeeding Steve Kerr for the 2027 FIBA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Spoelstra, fresh off a historic tenure with the Heat—including six NBA Finals appearances and two championships—has been a key figure in USA Basketball, serving as a lead assistant during the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal run. The move is part of a larger Team USA coaching blueprint set by managing director Grant Hill, who has emphasized continuity through assistant-to-head coach development: just as Kerr graduated from assistant to head coach after Popovich, now Spoelstra is next in line.
A Changing Guard for USA Basketball
The men’s national team has had a different head coach at each of the past four Olympics: Mike Krzyzewski in 2016, Gregg Popovich in 2020 (Tokyo), and Kerr in 2024. Spoelstra’s appointment continues this trend but brings stability in another sense: he’s the longest-tenured active NBA head coach and fifth on the all-time playoff wins list.
Potential 2028 Roster Highlights
While the Paris 2024 squad captured gold over France 98-87, Team USA’s roster is expected to see considerable turnover. Big names like Kevin Durant, a four-time gold medalist, may return, though Stephen Curry has indicated Paris would be his only Olympics. LeBron James, meanwhile, will be 43 in Los Angeles, making his participation uncertain.
Veteran gold medalists like Bam Adebayo, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Davis, and Devin Booker are all in the mix if they choose to represent Team USA again. Expect fresh faces too, including promising young stars like Paolo Banchero, Cade Cunningham, Chet Holmgren, and Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg, all potential first-time Olympians.
What This Means for USA Basketball
Spoelstra’s arrival signals a blend of proven NBA coaching excellence with international basketball acumen. Known for his adaptability, defensive schemes, and player development, Spoelstra could lead a team that balances veteran leadership with emerging talent. The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will not only be a home-court advantage but also a showcase of what might be the most dynamic Team USA roster in years.
With Kara Lawson already confirmed as head coach of the women’s national team for the same cycle, USA Basketball is setting up both programs for a historic showing on home soil, aiming to continue its gold-medal streak while evolving with the next generation of superstars.
