Dallas Mavericks Rookie Cooper Flagg Eyes 2028 Team USA Spot

Merlin sees USA Basketball already penciling in prospects for 2028, with Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg among the names getting early looks. ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill reports sources calling Flagg a competitor who “plays hard” and is “good at just about everything.” Flagg joined others like Chet Holmgren, Cade Cunningham and Evan Mobley on lists of intriguing front-line or two-way options after showing well in a Team USA scrimmage. Merlin notes the timing helps these youngsters. The Paris roster was the oldest in U.S. history, and stars such as Stephen Curry and LeBron James will be in their 40s by 2028, opening roster space. Development curves, fit and defense will decide if a promising rookie becomes a reliable Olympic piece.