Spoelstra Takes Reins of Team USA for LA 2028

Erik Spoelstra will be named head coach of USA men’s basketball for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after serving as a lead assistant on Steve Kerr’s 2024 staff. This matters because he inherits a program at a crossroads: Paris was led by LeBron, Curry and Kevin Durant, who may be making their final Olympic runs, and Spoelstra must shepherd a transition from proven veterans to rising talent. Merlin notes the hire continues USA Basketball’s internal pipeline — even the report said, “Spoelstra will be named the next head coach of USA men’s Basketball” — and pairs him with managing director Grant Hill to evaluate pieces at the 2027 FIBA World Cup. With names like Cooper Flagg and Paolo Banchero emerging alongside Booker, Adebayo and Edwards, Spoelstra’s system and polish help, but passing the torch without breaking the spell is the true test.