What does it take to secure a spot on Team USA for the 2028 Summer Olympics in men's basketball? Apparently, being a two-time gold medalist isn't the automatic ticket it once was. At least, that's the buzz from Max Kellerman on "Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul."
During a discussion about potential NBA players for the 2028 Olympic roster, Rich Paul advocated for Devin Booker. With two gold medals under his belt and a track record of selflessness on star-studded teams, Booker has shown he's more than willing to play the role of a versatile team player. His performance at this year's All-Star game-his fifth-where he excelled in scoring, rebounding, and assisting, is a testament to his all-around game.
Yet, Kellerman wasn't fully convinced, labeling Booker and Tyrese Maxey as "bubble" players. This prompted Paul to question how Booker, fresh off another gold medal, could be considered anything less than a lock. Paul pointed out that Booker consistently plays the right way, adapting his game to fit the team's needs.
Kellerman's reasoning? The sheer number of talented names to consider. He had already earmarked Anthony Edwards as a must-have for the team, which seems to edge Booker out of the conversation, despite both being key players in the 2024 gold medal-winning squad.
Paul, not representing Booker but rather speaking from an objective standpoint, argued that players from the previous Olympic roster should have an edge in selection. Booker's agent, Jessica Holtz of CAA Sports, isn't involved in this debate, highlighting that Paul's support isn't driven by client loyalty.
The 2024 Team USA roster, dubbed "The Avengers" for its star power, included LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker, Derrick White, Tyrese Haliburton, Jrue Holiday, and Bam Adebayo. With age likely sidelining veterans like LeBron and possibly Curry by 2028, the team will likely look to inject younger talent.
Booker, still in his prime and with a wealth of Olympic and NBA Finals experience, seems like an obvious choice unless he opts out himself. However, Kellerman remains unconvinced of his lock status.
Even with promising prospects like AJ Dybantsa or Darryn Peterson on the horizon, leaving Booker off the roster would raise eyebrows. As we await the final decisions, Suns fans will hope the selection committee doesn't share Kellerman's skepticism.