The Australian Boomers are shaping up to be one of the most dangerous teams heading into the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. With a deep roster of NBA talent, the Boomers could be a legitimate contender for a gold medal, especially if Kyrie Irving decides to switch national teams and represent the country of his birth.
Kyrie Irving, a nine-time NBA All-Star, has expressed interest in playing for Australia, given that he was born in Melbourne before moving to the United States as a child. While Irving won gold with Team USA in the 2016 Rio Olympics, he has been overlooked in recent years for national team selections. Now, he’s looking into the process of switching to Australia, though FIBA regulations could pose a hurdle.
“We’re in the process of that right now, just trying to figure out what’s going to be the best route for me to be eligible. There’s a lot of paperwork in between that. Team USA still has a decision to make.”
“I’m just trying to do what’s best for me. Honestly, if I can be an Aussie at one point in my career and play for the Australian team, that would be great.”
Adding Irving to a Boomers squad that already boasts several NBA players would give Australia a serious playmaking and scoring boost. Irving is having an outstanding season with the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 24.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, while shooting 47.8% from the field and 41.3% from three-point range.
His presence alongside Josh Giddey, Ben Simmons, Dyson Daniels, and others would instantly make Australia a top-tier team.
The Boomers could field one of the most talented teams in their history, making them legitimate medal contenders for the 2028 Olympics.
Starters: Josh Giddey, Kyrie Irving, Ben Simmons, Dyson Daniels, Jock Landale
Bench: Patty Mills (he will be 40 years old), Dante Exum, Josh Green, Dup Reath
Beyond Irving, the Boomers already have an impressive core of young and experienced NBA players. Josh Giddey has continued to develop into an elite playmaker with the Chicago Bulls, averaging 12.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game shooting 44.6% from the field and 34.5% from 3-point range.
Dyson Daniels is enjoying a breakout season with the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 13.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 3.0 steals per game. Daniels’ two-way impact will be crucial for the Boomers on both ends of the floor.
Ben Simmons, when healthy, remains one of the most versatile defenders and playmakers in the league. Currently, he is averaging 6.4 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.3 rebounds, while splitting time between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers this season. If Simmons can stay healthy and regain his confidence, he could be a massive defensive asset for the Boomers.
Meanwhile, Dante Exum is having a resurgent season with the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 11.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, while shooting an impressive 56.4% from the field and 47.1% from three. His experience and perimeter defense would provide another strong backcourt option for the Australian squad.
On the wing, Josh Green has developed into a reliable 3-and-D player, averaging 7.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, while shooting 40.6% from three for the Charlotte Hornets. Alongside Matisse Thybulle, one of the NBA’s elite perimeter defenders, the Boomers would have elite defensive versatility to match up with the world’s top teams.
The frontcourt is also solid, with Jock Landale providing a strong interior presence and Joe Ingles offering veteran leadership and shooting. The 2028 Olympics could be one of Australia’s best chances at competing for a gold medal, especially after finishing third in Tokyo (2020) and reaching the quarterfinals in Paris (2024).
If Kyrie Irving is granted FIBA approval to play for Australia, the Boomers will be stacked with NBA talent, combining elite scoring, playmaking, defense, and experience. With international basketball becoming more competitive than ever, the Boomers could emerge as a serious threat to Team USA and other top nations in Los Angeles.
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