How will Team USA look at 2028 Olympics without James, Curry, Durant?

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Hate to say I told you so, but (clearing my throat), if I may.

Going into Team USA’s quarterfinal game against Brazil in the 2024 Paris Olympics, I concluded a column saying Stephen Curry will regain his shooting touch.

Curry was just 5-of-19 from distance in his first Olympics through three games.

I wrote, “He’s going to cook at some point. If it happens in the gold medal game, it’s a wrap for Team USA.”

It happened. He cooked. Curry scored 60 total points in the semifinals and final, going 17-of-27 from 3.

The game’s best shooter ever cashed four 3s in the final two minutes and 47 seconds of a 98-87 victory over host France as Team USA captured a fifth straight Olympic gold medal.

Had the fans going crazy, put the Frenchmen to sleep and made me look like I know ball — for once.

This was supposed to be Team USA’s greatest collection of talent ever.

Better than the 1992 Dream Team led by Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley and the 2008 Redeem Team led by a younger LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and the late, great Kobe Bryant.

I’m taking 1992 and 2008 over 2024.

Not going against an Optimus Prime Jordan or a highly driven Bryant playing in his first Olympics.

Yes, the 2024 Avengers, an appropriate name after Team USA failed to medal in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, faced tougher competition. The world has caught up and is staying put.

They would’ve been even better if Kawhi Leonard was healthy enough in the eyes of his NBA team, the Los Angeles Clippers, and USA Basketball to play.

Then again, Steve Kerr might have had an even tougher time determining rotations and combinations.

He drew major criticism for not playing Jayson Tatum in two Olympic games against Serbia. Kerr said it’s tough to play more than 10 guys in a 40-minute game, but Tatum, the only player on Team USA to make All-NBA first team last season, should’ve played more.

Tatum is now a two-time Olympic champion, but people are predicting he’s going to show the NBA no mercy this season starting with Kerr’s Golden State Warriors.

It’s being dubbed a ‘revenge tour’ as the Boston Celtics look to repeat as NBA champions.

Drama aside, Team USA finished the job, going 11-0 counting the exhibition games, 6-0 in Olympic play and 3-0 against the Serbians, which were led by three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. He’s arguably the best player in the world, but Team USA, as Barkley said, should have the best team every four years.

The 39-year-old James continued to defy age. Curry delivered when it really mattered. Kevin Durant came back from injury to make history and Devin Booker served as the perfect role player.

As for all the criticism Kerr received, his decision to play Anthony Davis in the second half instead of Joel Embiid against France proved clutch because of Davis’ versatility on both ends.

Team USA defeated the two other semifinalists during this 11-0 run, topping Canada in its first exhibition in Las Vegas and edging Germany in its last one in London.

Thought Germany, the 2023 FIBA World Cup champions, was Team USA’s toughest matchup.

The Germans had just enough size inside, depth, good guard play and a rising NBA star in Orlando Magic’s Franz Wagner who can flat-out ball and is fearless.

France eliminated Canada and Germany, setting the stage for Team USA to play in perhaps the most charged environment it has faced for the Olympic gold medal since the NBA got involved in 1992.

Fans consistently booed Joel Embiid. He could’ve played for France, but Embiid rolled with Team USA.

The France-USA final proved to be a great game and perfect matchup for global viewing.

We saw three all-time greats in Durant, Curry and James compete in likely their final Olympics go up against the future in 7-foot-4 phenom Victor Wembanyama.

Durant’s postgame talk with an emotional Wembanyama was perhaps the passing of the Olympic men’s basketball torch.

France was already very good. The Frenchmen handed Team USA its only loss in 2021 in Tokyo and pushed the Americans for gold before losing, 87-82.

Now they have Wembanyama. How ironic would it be if he gets a chance to lead France over the Americans in Los Angeles for gold in 2028?

Still think they’ll capture a sixth straight Olympic gold, but USA Basketball has some work to do in replacing James, Curry and possibly Durant.

James can’t see himself playing in four years.

What will Team USA look like in 2028?

Curry viewed this as a one-time opportunity. He’ll be 40 in 2028.

Durant said, “We’ll see,” but he’s talking about retirement in a TV One series that debuted last week, but it was filmed before the Olympics in Phoenix.

Derrick White replaced Leonard. He does the little things, but White is replaceable.

Jrue Holiday is a two-time NBA champion and Olympic champion, but he’ll be 38 in 2028.

Let’s say Team USA needs to add five to join Anthony Edwards and company.

As much as some fans are against running it back with Embiid, if Jokic is still playing in the Olympics, the Americans need the Philadelphia 76ers’ big man to battle him.

So, how about Ja Morant, Jalen Brunson, Jaylen Brown, Cooper Flagg and Chet Holmgren. If Team USA moves forward without Embiid, add Paolo Banchero or Scottie Barnes.

Brown should’ve been chosen from the start knowing Leonard’s knee was an issue.

Time heals wounds. Brown and Grant Hill, USA Basketball’s managing director, should be good by 2028.

Flagg isn’t even in the NBA, but he shined at camp in Vegas. Headed to Duke for an expected one-and-done, Flagg will be ready in four years.

Brunson is a great point guard who got FIBA experience in the World Cup while Holmgren can learn from Davis and Adebayo.

As for Morant, we know what he did, but guess what? So does he. Morant can’t afford another mistake, should be on better behavior and keeping it 100. He’s one of the NBA’s top players.

Team USA could use a consultant group of guys who have represented Team USA to visit those who are on USA basketball’s radar and talk to them about what it means to rock that red, white and blue.

Talking about retired guys like Chris Paul, who should be done by 2028, Dwyane Wade and Anthony. Michael Redd, who didn’t play much in 2008, would be perfect to speak to the player who likely isn’t going to see much action about how he handled that.

When camp starts in Vegas, have that consultant group present to share knowledge about the differences between FIBA and NBA rules and style of play.