The 2024 Summer Olympics concluded Sunday night. The United States won 126 medals, the most at an Olympics. Of those, 40 were gold medals, putting the United States tied with China. Before the games, the U.S. basketball teams were expected to dominate. Although the men’s and women’s teams won gold medals, both teams looked shaky and needed heroic efforts to fight their way to the front.
The United States also competed in the three-on-three. The event, which debuted during the 2020 Olympics (which will take place in 2021), marked the second time the women competed in the event, while the men made their debut. The 2021 women’s team, led by WNBA stars Stefanie Dolson, Allisha Gray, Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young, captured the event’s first Olympic gold. The debuting men’s team did not qualify for the competition.
Both teams struggled at this year’s games. The women’s team won a medal but could only manage a disappointing bronze medal. The men’s team failed to even advance past the preliminary round, finishing the season 2-5. With these disappointing results, fans and players alike are wondering if NBA players will be at the 2028 games in Los Angeles. Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green believes they should be, specifically naming Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren as a potential member of Team USA.
What exactly did Green say and is he right? Let’s dive deeper.
Four-time NBA champion: The Pistons have earned their place at the Olympic Games
Green’s opinion on Duren and other players on Team USA
In his podcast, Green asked why NBA players were not part of the three-on-three Olympic team:
“Why aren’t young NBA players on the 3-on-3 team? Guys who either haven’t had a chance to play on the national team or maybe never will get a chance. Naz Reid, Jalen Green, the great Jalen Duren – this is about building a resume. I think Duren is on his way to being a superstar and he’ll probably be on the next Team USA. Tyrese Maxey, imagine Maxey winning his first gold medal in this setting. In 2021, I saw Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young win gold in 3-on-3. So this won’t be their first gold for the national team, but they can already say, ‘I’m an Olympic champion.’ It’s special. I can’t understand how we ended up with that 3-on-3 team. I’m stunned.”
Draymond Green
Green makes a valid point. Integrating young NBA players into the three-on-three team could help build the talent pool for future U.S. teams. Early Olympic experience could increase their chances of success on the traditional team. But the players selected for this year’s team were not without merit.
Canyon Barry was part of the U.S. team that won the 3×3 World Cup in 2019 and 2022. Kareem Maddox was also on those teams and led all players in blocked shots (four) and rebounds (20) in 2019. Dylan Travis, who made his debut at the 2022 World Cup, was an NCAA Division II national champion with Florida Southern. Jimmer Fredette led all players at the World Cup, scoring 59 points. Given their past success and experience, it’s understandable why these players were selected for the Olympic team.
Arguments for Duren in Team USA
Duren was part of the select team that helped Team USA prepare for international competition this summer. Looking ahead to 2028, Duren is a strong candidate for the national team. At just 20 years old, he already has the physical tools to become one of the most dominant centers in the league. His aggressive approach on both the offensive and defensive boards and his athleticism in the penalty box are exactly the traits Team USA will be looking for in the future.
In his two seasons with the Pistons, Duren has shown flashes of his immense potential, averaging 11.4 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists on 63% shooting and 70% from the free throw line. If he can develop a reliable go-to move in the post, build on the confidence he gained from his summer workouts and expand his shooting range, Duren could be a key building block in the Pistons’ resurgence.
Defensively, Duren still has room to grow. Given his athleticism, there’s no reason he should average less than one block per game. He needs to work on his discipline, avoid stupid fouls, and play more consistent blocks to reach his full potential. With these improvements, Duren could strengthen Detroit’s defense and secure his spot on Team USA for years to come.
The last word
While the current three-on-three team’s selection was based on past experience and success, integrating up-and-coming NBA players could provide a fresh approach and bring new energy to the roster. As Jalen Duren continues to develop with the Pistons, his future growth will benefit Detroit’s resurgence and Team USA.
Ultimately, the U.S. team’s continued dominance will depend on combining experience with young talent and ensuring the next generation of players is ready to carry the torch. It’s unclear whether Duren or other rising stars will get a chance to represent their country in the coming years, but one thing is certain: the future of American basketball is in good hands.
