Team USA featured the perfect mix of NBA icons at the Olympics but team managers considered many candidates before they finalized their roster.
According to Joe Vardon, per Legion Hoops, Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero was under “serious consideration” for the Paris Olympics.
It’s no surprise that Grant Hill, the former player who organizes Team USA, wants to feature Banchero in future games.
REPORT: Paolo Banchero was under “serious consideration” for the Paris Olympics, per @joevardon.
Grant Hill sees Banchero as a player he wants to feature in future Olympic games. pic.twitter.com/wQjns9DJTe
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 12, 2024
Banchero was part of Team USA for last year’s FIBA World Cup, but that wasn’t his last chance to shine on behalf of America.
2028 is just four years away and Hill has a few voids to fill.
Most notably, LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant are likely off the table for the Los Angeles games.
Banchero would be a suitable superstar for the team, especially after the two seasons he’s had.
The former Rookie of the Year already earned an All-Star appearance and averaged 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in 2023-24.
He helped transform the Magic from a punchline into one of the most exciting teams in the Eastern Conference.
Banchero now has several more years to continually impress Hill and the rest of the powers that be running Team USA.
The 2027 World Cup will be a good chance to get a look at the next iteration of Team USA.
Banchero will likely be pursued for those games and, if things go as expected, he will be back for LA in 2028.
He won’t be the only new face in 2028 and speculation has already begun about who will join him when the Olympics travel to America.
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