Kyrie Irving puts Team USA Basketball on 2028 Olympics notice
Kyrie Irving is no stranger to playing international basketball with Team USA. After being skipped out on this year's Paris 2024 Olympics roster, Irving revealed his goal to be part of the 2028 team to the New York Times' Sam Amick. Given his previous runs in the 2014 FIBA World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, he has more than enough experience to be included in the next stint.
In his last Olympic stint, the Mavericks star put up 12.6 points (50.0% shooting, including 47.1% from beyond the arc) and 6.0 assists per game. He showcased his excellent shotmaking skills against elite international competition, helping USA Basketball bring home the gold medal.
"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," Irving said. "I'm coming underneath the mold of Kobe [Bryant], LeBron, J-Kidd. So those guys taught me a lot about just what it means to earn your stock ... I'm definitely planning on it for 2028. God willing. I'm healthy."
During the 2014 World Cup, Kyrie Irving was a prominent scorer during each outing, which earned him the FIBA MVP.
Irving acknowledged the type of mindset a player must possess when joining USA Basketball. Roles differ from those that NBA players are accustomed to with their respective teams. Everyone contributes to a single goal.
Kyrie Irving talked about not being included in the 2024 Team USA roster
During an interview with The Athletic's Sam Amick, the Mavericks guard revealed his reaction when he found out he wasn't selected for the 2024 USA Basketball roster.
"I won't say it was hurtful not to be able to try out, but it was just weird that we weren't able to try out and get together as a group," Irving said.
"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. I won when I was 18, when I was 22, and I won one when I was 24."
Kyrie Irving highlighted his excellent international resume and the sense of pride he carries with it.
"So there is a pride thing there, and I have history," he added. "There was such a great competitive pool that you can test yourself against because it's the best in the world. It's not every day you get a chance to go against [players of that caliber]."
This year's guard depth included Warriors' Stephen Curry, Suns' Devin Booker, Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards, Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton, Celtics' Jrue Holiday and Derrick White.