The Houston Rockets didn’t have any Team USA players at the last Olympics, but that might not be the case in four years.
Kelly Iko, a source close to the club, estimates there could be as many as three Rockets representing Team USA at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
“Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson all had experience with the National Team, playing against the senior team. It depends on what kind of roster the coaching staff is building. Thompson and Smith could fill specific roles as physical, interchangeable defenders, but we’re talking about a 12-man team, they should make significant jumps between now and then. But Green is the underdog here. Let’s say he “makes the jump” in Year 4, like Anthony Edwards. If he averages anything close to 26-6-5 in Year 8, I think he’ll get some eyeballs (or at least the first wave).” Iko writes.
That doesn’t mean all three players will make the team, but the Rockets’ young core will be mature enough to merit serious consideration. The more success they have as a team over the next four years, the more likely the Rockets will have a spot on the 12-man roster in 2028.
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