Whether Team USA wants to admit it or not, the roster is likely to decline as LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant all enter the twilight of their basketball careers. Add to that the fact that many of the NBA’s best players are currently not American, and the pressure is on to identify suitable replacements.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t quality American players, though. They may not be of the same caliber as the aforementioned trio, but there are a few in particular who can help Team USA maintain its status as the best in the world. One in particular makes sense, and former NBA player Chandler Parsons made the case for him.
Which NBA Player Does Chandler Parsons Vouch for To Be on Team USA?
On “Run it Back,” Parsons explained why Team USA needs to add Jaylen Brown to its 2028 roster.
“As an ambassador for Team USA, I’d like to say put your issues aside,” Parsons said. “Because we need (Brown) on Team USA, I’ll tell you that. If he’s not on Team USA, go France… He’s one of the best 12 players in the NBA. He needs to be on that team.”
“If Jaylen Brown is not on Team USA, go France… he’s one of the best 12 players in the NBA.” 🇺🇸
Chandler Parsons is already campaigning for the Celtics to be represented at the 2028 Olympics 🗣️@MichelleDBeadle | @boogiecousins | @ChandlerParsons | @TeamLou23 pic.twitter.com/llkYjoKYun
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) January 5, 2026
Parsons’ statement isn’t far off, as Brown is having a career season. Without Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics are an impressive 22-12, and anyone who claims Brown has nothing to do with that simply hasn’t been watching.
By averaging 30.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and five assists per game while shooting 51% from the field and 37% from three-point range, Brown is not only making a strong case for MVP and first-team All-NBA honors, but he’s also making it clear to Team USA that leaving him off the roster for the upcoming Summer Olympics would be a mistake.
Brown is currently in the second year of a five-year, $285,393,640 contract. That deal was widely criticized when it was first announced. However, between making four All-Star teams (and likely a fifth this season), earning an All-NBA selection (and likely a second this season), winning NBA Finals MVP, and being part of six Eastern Conference Finals teams, two NBA Finals teams, and a championship run, Brown has made it clear he’s worth the money and then some.
Again, Team USA should be well aware that some of the NBA’s biggest American stars are nearing the end of their careers. At present, there are very few American players capable of approaching that level of production — and Brown is firmly at the top of that list.
