USA Basketball tees up a bold 2028 bid by compiling a fresh core of under-23 talent, led by Paolo Banchero and a rising duo in Cooper Flagg and Amen Thompson, plus Chet Holmgren as a modern stretch-big anchor. The piece highlights Jalen Suggs and a watch-list of guards (Stephon Castle, VJ Edgecombe, Kon Knueppel, Cason Wallace) to pair with a defensive backbone and elite wing/forward potential. It also nods to a veteran exodus, with LeBron, Durant and Curry unlikely to suit up, pushing the onus onto a new generation led by 2028 expectations and 2023-24 maturation curves. The discussion links future guard prototypes to the success of the last Olympic cycle and maps a path for multi-Olympic runs through 2032.

In short, the piece paints a narrative where USA Basketball leverages versatility, two-way defenders, and a flexible frontcourt to thrive across FIBA formats, while blending star power with role-player depth. The guard archetype evolution—backcourt sustainment from Suggs through Brunson—with a defensive spine from Holmgren, Thompson and Flagg could redefine how the U.S. competes in Paris-adjacent volleys and beyond.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are at a pivotal moment following their recent NBA championship victory. General Manager Sam Presti outlines the implications of new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) rules and financial strategies that will shape the franchise's future. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's historic four-year, $285 million extension dominates the payroll, with his salary projected to peak at 35%. Meanwhile, extensions for key players Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren loom, necessitating strategic cap management for other team members like Isaiah Hartenstein and Lu Dort, both due for new deals soon.

Presti expresses confidence in the Thunder's preparedness to navigate the complexities of the CBA amid emerging cap structures, including the dreaded second apron, which has pushed some teams to rethink their contender status. He believes the market will stabilize as teams learn to adapt, ensuring the Thunder can leverage their advantageous position during the initial years of their championship window before salaries skyrocket. This prudent approach signifies a long-term vision, balancing immediate success with sustainable financial health.

In the 2024-25 season, the Oklahoma City Thunder emerged as a powerhouse, topping the Western Conference with a remarkable 68-14 record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander claimed his first MVP award, solidifying his status as a top-tier player. The Thunder's depth was apparent as they secured their first NBA title after a thrilling seven-game finals against the Pacers. Key offseason acquisitions, including Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso, complemented their core, which now boasts immense potential for a dynasty. The team's blend of young talent and playoff experience proved pivotal to their success.

Despite Chet Holmgren's injury challenges limiting him to just 32 games, other players like Jalen Williams flourished, showcasing their versatility. Gilgeous-Alexander's stellar season raised his fantasy stock significantly, while Cason Wallace emerged as a surprising value pick. With two first-round draft picks and a solid roster under contract for the foreseeable future, the Thunder appear poised to dominate the league for years to come.

Cason Wallace made history as he helped the Oklahoma City Thunder capture the NBA Championship, marking him as the eighth player from a Dallas-area high school to achieve this feat. The Thunder secured a thrilling 103-91 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the Finals. Wallace's performance in the Finals saw him contribute 6.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game, underscoring his defensive prowess on a team that finished the regular season with a remarkable 68-14 record.

Texas has produced 24 champions in the NBA since 1947, with California leading the way at 72. Wallace’s victory follows Luke Kornet’s triumph with the Boston Celtics last season, showcasing a growing trend of talent emerging from the Dallas high school basketball scene. In his second year in the league, Wallace demonstrated his potential as a key contributor for the Thunder, who celebrated their first championship since relocating to Oklahoma City.