Young Warriors star vows to be part of Team USA in 2028 Olympics

Podziemski already has a head start when it comes to Team USA hoops. The 21-year-old was part of the Select Team that helped the Paris-bound squad prepare for the Olympics earlier in the summer. 

His inclusion came after many coaches and players raved about his rookie campaign with the Warriors, which saw him average 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists and earn a place on the All-Rookie First Team.

The 21-year-old guard does not lack confidence. In February, he vowed to make a future All-Star team barely minutes after playing in the Rising Stars Challenge. He even referred to himself as the heir apparent of Curry in a Warriors uniform. 

The confident youngster has earned a lot of fans within the Warriors organization, including owner Joe Lacob, who reportedly blocked his front office from trading Podziemski to the Jazz for All-Star Lauri Markkanen.

During the Summer League, Lacob declared Podziemski "a future All-Star" and a franchise cornerstone. 

While Podziemski is a viable candidate for L.A. 2028, the one youngster who is almost a lock to make Team USA in four years is rising Magic All-Star Paolo Banchero. According to The Athletic's Joe Vardon, Banchero was under "serious consideration" for the Paris Games but didn't make the final 12-man cut. 

The only certainty about the next iteration of Team USA is that it won't include LeBron James, who made it clear after the Paris Games that he won't be available for L.A. 2028.