From the legendary Dream Team with Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and Karl Malone in the 1992 Olympics to the recent triumph in the 2024 Paris Olympics with players like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant, the USA has consistently asserted its dominance. But, with most of these names edging close to retirement, there looms a heavy uncertainty for the future- a concern that Tracy McGrady didn’t shy away from voicing.

Given that these aforementioned stars are in their advanced age, they might not make it to the final roster of the 2028 Olympics, or even if they do, they might not deliver the same kind of legendary performance that they did this year. The veteran Tracy McGrady said, “USA is in trouble, next Olympics. I am afraid that gold might be going somewhere else.” 

And by somewhere else, he means probably France or Canada. The French team, which had young players like Victor Wembanyama and Guerschon Yabusele, gave tough competition to the US team in the finals. Not satisfied with the silver medal, the 20-year-old has already issued somewhat of a warning for his opponents in the coming years. Hence, the dominance of Team USA is likely to face a serious threat. On the other hand, Canada, with players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray, will also look to put up tough competition in the upcoming Olympics.

McGrady further added, “I’m looking for guys that are on Steph Curry and KD and Bron’s level, and I don’t see that coming up. We might struggle in the next Olympics.” From LeBron James’ last-minute basket to confirm the 101-100 scoreline in the exhibition game against South Sudan to Durant making his first eight shots in less than 17 minutes to give his team a lead over 23 points to Curry’s four three-pointers in the final 2:47 minutes in the finals in the exhibition game against South Sudan, these stars have etched history that might be difficult to beat. 

McGrady’s message serves as a wake-up call for Anthony Edwards and other young stars. Though doubtful of the future, he still thinks that certain names might perform if they are on the US National team in the next Olympics.

Tracy McGrady’s pick for the next Olympics

The 7x NBA All-Star expects the Orlando Magic’s power forward Paolo Banchero and the 17-year-old power forward Cooper Flagg to be on the Team USA roster for the quadrennial event in 2028. Banchero, who has already played a crucial role with the Magic, has had a great last season. In the 80 games that he played in the 2023-24 season, he averaged about 22.6 in points, 6.9 in rebounds, and 5.4 in assists.

On the other hand, Cooper Flagg, who recently signed a NIL deal with New Balance, is the top prospect in ESPN’s 2025 NBA Draft class. Last month, Flagg became the youngest player to play on the US men’s select team at just 17 years old and delivered an elite performance as he made a 3-pointer against the NBA champion, Anthony Davis. Their abilities, combined with the experience of veteran players, could give the US team a significant advantage.

While McGrady’s faith provides a boost to these young players’ confidence, it’s clear that the road to Olympic gold will be challenging. The US will need to overcome stiff competition from teams like Serbia, France, and Canada, who have consistently performed well on the international stage.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.