Dallas Mavericks Point Guard Kyrie Irving is heading towards Team Australia during the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
“We’re just trying to understand that in the process it’s going to be the best route for me to qualify,” Irving told reporters at the NBA All-Star festivities. “There are a lot of paperwork in between.”
The eight All-Stars were born in Australia, but played for Team USA at the 2014 FIBA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Irving was part of a pool of 41 players to win spots in the 2024 US national team, but was ultimately not selected for the 12 roster that won gold medals at the Parisian Games. .
“I really wish my brothers,” Irving told reporters after the team was announced. “I didn’t fit into this team. The deliberation process was tough. But again, I don’t respect the people at USA basketball.”
The star guard was born in Melbourne as his father played basketball professionally in Australia. Irving’s family eventually moved to the United States when he was two years old, but he still holds dual American and Australian citizenship.
To switch to Team Australia before the 2028 Olympics, Irving will need Team USA (H/T FOX Sports ‘Andrew Jackson) to clear it. Basketball Australia and FIBA must also register for the change.
Irving will be 36 by the time the Los Angeles Summer Olympics begin, but he shows few signs of slowing down.
He averages 24.6 points per game, 4.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists shooting 47.8% from the field and 41.3% from behind the arc of 44, starting with the Mavericks this season.
Irving could potentially join an Australian team that already features NBA talent, including Atlanta Hawks Guard Dyson Daniels, Chicago Bulls Guard Josh Giddy and Portland Trail Blazers Center Duoprees.
