Ranking 4 Rockets most likely to join Team USA for 2028 Olympics

2. Jabari Smith Jr.

Role players typically don't play for Team USA. Could they make an exception? Alternatively, could Smith Jr. be more than a role player?

Here's a third question - isn't "role player" a nebulous term? Suppose Smith Jr. averaged 15 points and 8 rebounds per game in his prime. Imagine he's knocking down a high percentage of a high volume of threes. Assume that he guards multiple positions.

Is that a role player, or a star?

Either way, it's someone Team USA could use. Smith Jr. has a better chance to make the cut than Sheppard due to his size. A 6'11" versatile defender could be too useful for the team to pass on.

What more could Team USA want?