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.

Jared Rhoden's impressive performance, featuring a double-double of 25 points and 12 rebounds, propelled the Toronto Raptors to a 118-105 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. This marked Rhoden's second career start, and his contributions were crucial as the Raptors faced a depleted roster with several starters resting or injured. Alongside him, Orlando Robinson matched his scoring output with another double-double, and A.J. Lawson added 28 points off the bench.

The 76ers struggled offensively, particularly from beyond the arc, sinking only 20% of their three-point attempts, which hindered their comeback efforts. Quentin Grimes led Philadelphia with 29 points, but the team has now lost their last two games, putting them in a precarious position in the playoff race. With both teams missing key players, the victory allowed the Raptors to inch ahead of the 76ers in the standings.

The Toronto Raptors have quickly secured A.J. Lawson on a two-way contract, filling the gap left by D.J. Carton’s recent waiver. Lawson, a native of Toronto, has made a notable impact in the G League with the Long Island Nets, averaging 24 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists this season.

At six-foot-six, Lawson has demonstrated his scoring prowess, notably scoring 37 points against the Raptors 905. His journey has included stints with several teams, and he now joins a roster with other Canadian players.

The Toronto Raptors have released guard D.J. Carton, opening a spot for a new two-way contract. Carton, who faced injury issues, averaged 1.8 points in his limited NBA appearances but showed promise in the G League.

With Carton's departure, the Raptors now have one two-way position available. Additionally, the Raptors 905 have signed guard Jared Rhoden, who could be a strong candidate to fill this slot, given his recent G League performances.

The New York Knicks are gearing up for a matchup against the Toronto Raptors, but they may be without key players Karl-Anthony Towns and Cam Payne due to injuries. Both players missed the previous game against the Detroit Pistons, which the Knicks lost.

With a crucial NBA Cup quarterfinal against the Atlanta Hawks approaching, the Knicks might prioritize health over immediate game needs. Meanwhile, the Raptors will also be missing Bruce Brown, D.J. Carton, and Immanuel Quickley.