Kyrie Irving was not among the finalists for the Team USA roster this year but he’s looking to earn his spot for the next tournament in Los Angeles for 2028. In a chat with The Athletic, Irving revealed his determination to represent Team USA at least one more time before his career comes to a close.
Sam Amick: “You’ve fairly pointed out that, in the old days, there was a tryout, and this time around there wasn’t. So what was it like to not be part of that group?”
Kyrie Irving: “I won’t say it was hurtful not to be able to try out, but it just was weird that we weren’t able to try out and get together as a group because the USA team is not just 12 guys or 15 guys. … I was playing on Team USA when I was 17, 18. I won three gold medals. So there is a pride thing there, and I have history. There was such a great competitive pool that you can test yourself against because it’s the best in the world.”
Sam Amick: “At the end of the day, do you think the Nike backstory was a factor?”
Kyrie Irving: “I love all those guys over there, but it’s always been healthy competition since I left, and they know that. I appreciate that. I just wanted a chance to try out… Just give me a shot, because that was the culture that was created for us here with USA Basketball, with the original guys from 2008 to 2016. I’m coming underneath the mold of Kobe (Bryant), ‘Bron, J-Kidd. So those guys taught me a lot about just what it means to earn your stock…”
Sam Amick: “So 2028 is on the to-do list?”
Kyrie Irving: “I’m definitely planning on it for 2028. God willing. I’m healthy, yeah. For sure.”
Irving, 32, isn’t a rookie when it comes to international play. He helped lead the USA to the gold in the 2014 FIBA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics. He played alongside some of the greatest Olympians ever and had great success on the court as a scorer and playmaker for Team USA. All he wants now is another chance to play for his country — but it remains to be seen if he’ll get the opportunity.
This summer, despite averaging 25.6 points per game for the Mavericks, Irving was inexplicably left off the Team USA roster and the word is that he wasn’t even considered by the selection committee.
Normally, Irving would at least have the chance to try out for the team but it was never an option for him since the NBA did away with the process back in 2023. Irving spoke out against the decision at the time and it seems his feelings on the subject have not changed.
As for Kyrie’s ambitions of making the 2028 Olympic roster, he probably shouldn’t get his hopes up. At 32 years old today, Irving will be 36 by the time of the Los Angeles Games and he’ll have racked up over 15 years of NBA experience.
By that age, most NBA stars are in decline, and if Irving couldn’t make the team this year, it’s unlikely he will make the cut in four years when his game won’t be nearly as sharp. Nonetheless, Kyrie Irving is determined to make it happen, and if he can just maintain this level of play until the next Olympics, it may just be enough for him to get some major consideration.
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