Roster questions for the 2028 Summer Olympics: Curry and Durant weigh in

The 2028 summer olympics roster debate sharpened this week after two veteran stars signaled they could remain in the mix. Steph Curry is publicly still interested in a 2028 Olympic return, and Kevin Durant has told USA Basketball leadership he wants to be considered — moves that leave a clearer set of variables for anyone predicting the final U. S. men's basketball roster.

Veteran interest from Curry

NBA insider Marc Spears said Steph Curry "is still interested to make his second Olympic appearance. " Spears noted Curry will be 40 at the time of the games and called him "the greatest shooter of all time, " framing veteran shooting as an obvious roster asset. Observers point to Curry's signature closing stretch in the 2024 Paris Olympic gold-medal game, when the U. S. beat France 98-87, as evidence of the kind of late-game scoring the roster could lean on.

Curry's availability is not a given: the guard has been managing a "runner's knee" that has cost him game time this season, with 17 missed games mentioned in recent coverage. The combination of age and injury history is an observable indicator teams will weigh ahead of any final selection.

2028 Summer Olympics roster questions

Kevin Durant has also made his intentions clear. Durant said he told USA Basketball Managing Director Grant Hill he would like to be considered for the U. S. men's team. Durant emphasized that he does not expect a handed spot and that he wants to earn a place amid emerging talent in the next year and a half.

Durant's recent performance data provide concrete context: he scored 18 points in a 125-105 win over the Utah team referenced in recent coverage and is averaging 25. 9 points per game on 50. 7% shooting in his 18th NBA season. His Olympic résumé is extensive — he has played in the last four Olympic tournaments, became the U. S. men's basketball career scoring leader, and during the 2024 Paris games became the first American man to win four Olympic gold medals.

Implications for roster predictions

Three observable factors now shape realistic roster projections: player statements of interest, current-season availability and health, and measurable performance this season. Durant's clear request for consideration and Curry's expressed openness both push veteran options onto the shortlist, while the noted injury for Curry and the expectation that many new players will emerge create competing pressures for younger minutes.

One more roster influence is simple personal choice. A prominent veteran has already signaled he will not pursue 2028 Olympic participation and plans to be away when the games occur; that decision removes one potential veteran spot in advance.

• Curry: Still interested; will be 40 in 2028; dealing with runner's knee and missed games.
• Durant: Wants to be considered; seeks to earn a roster spot; strong scoring and efficiency this season.
• Timing: Selection will hinge on performance and health over the next year and a half before final decisions.

What comes next is straightforward and conditional: if either veteran posts sustained availability and production over the coming seasons, they remain very real roster contenders; if injuries or declining performance intervene, emerging players will fill those roles. With the games set for Los Angeles, home-court proximity is another clear factor that could shape final choices as the U. S. selection process unfolds.