Steve Kerr’s journey with Team USA is set to come to an end. Marc Stein reported that Steve Kerr isn’t expected to remain with USA Basketball going forward. He added that Team USA will likely pick either Erik Spoelstra of the Heat or Tyronn Lue of the Clippers as his replacement going forward, with the 2027 FIBA World Cup being the next major tournament.
“Steve Kerr is not expected to continue as USA Basketball men’s head coach after coaching in the Olympics and last summer’s World Cup and serving as an assistant to Gregg Popovich at the 2019 World Cup and the Tokyo Olympics contested in 2021. USAB is expected to choose either Miami’s Erik Spoelstra or the LA Clippers’ Tyronn Lue, both assistants to Kerr, as his replacement.”
Steve Kerr has had a successful stint with Team USA, but one that started out rough. After serving as the assistant coach to Gregg Popovich at the 2019 FIBA World Cup and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Kerr took over the reins, and served as head coach, starting with the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
It was a disastrous performance from Team USA, who weren’t even able to secure a podium finish at the tournament. It yielded such backlash from fans and players that several star players like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant declared for Team USA at the Olympics the following year.
The disastrous start as head coach would be a blessing in disguise, as the revamped Team USA would go undefeated at the Olympics and secure the gold medal for the fifth consecutive time in dominant fashion. Furthermore, it gave fans the opportunity to see the trio of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant play together.
Who Will Be Part Of Team USA in 2028
With the next Olympics taking place in Los Angeles, Team USA will have the benefit of the same home-court advantage they had to overcome in Paris while playing against France in the gold medal game. And the speculation about which players will represent Team USA at the tournament.
Carmelo Anthony has already pitched his team for 2028, and several younger players make their first appearance in this hypothetical squad. It will be interesting to see which players will make the cut, and whether there will be a healthy balance between veteran superstars and rising stars.
Fans shouldn’t expect Anthony Edwards at the tournament, as he seemingly declared his intention not to participate in Team USA basketball going forward. But Kevin Durant, despite being 36 years old, cannot be ruled out for the games. KD appearing at the 2028 Olympics would make him the oldest male player for Team USA in Olympics history.
Regardless of who is on the team, USA Basketball will fancy themselves the favorites, and expect their streak of Olympic gold medal wins to continue. And playing in front of what will be a partisan home crowd, they have little room to disappoint.
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