Kyrie Irving is open to representing Australia at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics if he's not selected for Team USA, following his disappointment over missing the 2024 Paris Games.
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving was disappointed at not having the chance to play for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics but is keeping an eye on the 2028 Los Angeles Games -- and might not be with the U.S. team.
In an interview with Sam Amick of The Athletic, Irving shared that he's open to representing the Australian Boomers at the 2028 Olympics if playing for Team USA isn't an option.
"I would love to entertain playing for Team Australia, man," he said. "I don't think it's a strong, strong possibility at this point, depending on what the Olympic Committee does. But as a competitor, I was born in Australia.
Kyrie Irving
| Position: | PG, SG |
| Age: | 32 |
| Height: | 191 cm |
| Weight: | 87 kg |
| Birth place: | Melbourne, Australia |
"For me, it's not a hard transition to make, but I don't want to fall into the same, I would say, probably like -- I'm trying to be very intentional with my words here. I don't want to fall into the trap of being let down or disappointed when I know that there are other opportunities out there for me," Kyrie added.
Irving was born in Melbourne, Australia, where his father played professional basketball, and he holds dual citizenship with Australia and the United States.
Although he's previously represented the U.S., winning gold at the 2014 FIBA World Cup and the 2016 Rio Olympics, he would need clearance from both USA Basketball and FIBA to make the switch to Australia.
Irving will be 36 by the time the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles come around.
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