The 2024 Olympics are fully underway, and Team USA basketball is already 1-0 in their group play games. There is more competition than ever on the scene, and the Charlotte Hornets could have some players playing by the time 2028 comes around.
Here are five current Hornets players who could be playing in the 2028 Olympics.
1. Josh Green
Obviously, considering Josh Green is playing for Australia in the 2024 Olympics, it seems likely that he will be back on the team four years from now, as he’s only 23 years old.
Charlotte acquired Green in a deal with the Dallas Mavericks this summer. He should play a big role for them at the wing moving forward with his solid defense and quality three-point shooting.
2. Vasilije Micic
The same can be saif about Vasilije Micic, as he’s playing in the 2024 Olympics for Serbia. He’s trying to help Nikola Jokic and Bogdan Bogdanovic compete for a medal.
Micic joined the Hornets last year at the trade deadline in the deal that sent Gordon Hayward to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He should be a solid backup point guard in Charlotte this year.
3. LaMelo Ball
It’s going to be hard for LaMelo Ball to crack Team USA’s rotation, especially if he can’t stay healthy. But if he stays on the court, they could consider adding him to the mix.
Guys like Jalen Brunson and De’Aaron Fox will compete with Ball at the point guard position, but with the likes of Stephen Curry and Jrue Holiday on the way out, it’s not impossible.
4. Brandon Miller
In addition to Ball, Brandon Miller could also be a candidate to make the squad a few years from now as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and others age out of Olympic play.
Miller’s style of play may fit the Team USA ideal a bit better than Ball, too, as he’s on track to become a big-bodied defender who should be comfortable on and off the ball.
5. Tidjane Salaun
The Hornets selected Tidjane Salaun with the No. 6 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, and while he’s only 19 years old right now, the then-23-year-old could be a solid choice for France in the 2028 Olympics.
Victor Wembanyama will be leading the way for that squad, and if Salaun can develop well in Charlotte, he might end up being an obvious choice for France to bring on board.