Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving expressed his disappointment in not being selected for Team USA’s roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Although he acknowledged that he didn’t fit into the team, Irving revealed his desire to have had the opportunity to try out. He reminisced about the camaraderie of previous tryouts and the mutual respect earned among players.
Kyrie Irving says he misses the days when players tried out for Team USA and competed against each other
“I wish my brothers well. I just didn’t fit in to this team. I think the deliberation process was a tough one. But again, I have nothing but respects to those guys of… pic.twitter.com/Tnvhw7pgbx
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 18, 2024
Irving, a three-time gold medalist, had hopes of leading the USA on a redemption journey in the World Cup.
However, since 2023, players are no longer required to try out, and the roster is solely determined by decisions made by President Jim Tooley and head coach Steve Kerr.
Despite Irving’s impressive season statistics with the Mavericks, averaging 25.6 points, 5.2 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game, he did not receive an invitation to join Team USA.
The current team includes notable stars such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Joel Embiid, and Kawhi Leonard.
With an emphasis on a dominant performance, anything less than a strong showing will reflect poorly on USA Basketball. Meanwhile, Irving remains focused on helping the Mavericks contend for the NBA Championship as they face the LA Clippers in the playoffs.
Kyrie Irving, the veteran Mavericks guard, recently made some interesting comments about the recruitment process for Team USA Basketball.
He pointed out that in the past, players had to try out for the team and there was a mutual respect earned through the process.
This year, the team has made some changes, retaining only two players from the 2023 FIBA World Cup lineup and adding senior and young players, including Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, and Bam Adebayo.
Joel Embiid, the 2023 MVP, is considered to be the biggest recruited player for this year’s team.
Irving emphasized that not all the players on the team have had enough time to build a strong chemistry, but he understands that the goal is to redeem last year’s fourth-place finish in the FIBA World Cup.
Irving has previous experience playing for Team USA, winning gold medals in the 2014 FIBA World Cup and the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Despite not being included in the 2024 Paris Olympics roster, Irving expressed his support for his teammates and stated that his focus should be on helping the Mavericks win a title.
The selected team was chosen by Grant Hill, the managing director of Team USA. This year’s Olympic Games have gained significant interest after the disappointing result in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Kyrie Irving on not being on Team USA: "I would have loved to, but I wish my brothers well, and I just didn't fit into this team. … I have nothing but respect for those guys over at USAB. At this point in my career, I think my focus should be on winning the championship…"
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) April 18, 2024
Irving reminisced about the old days when players had to try out, bond, and compete for a spot on the team, expressing his nostalgia for those times.
He wishes his teammates well and respects the selection process.
Fans reacted as follows:
Watch this and explain to me why he isn’t on the team? pic.twitter.com/kuuK0E8YJb
— DJ Kooli 🎧 (@DjKooli) April 18, 2024
real ones remember when Kyrie took on the whole usa team pic.twitter.com/CXBMhIBRgo
— 𝙅𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙧 (@JuniorGotNext) April 18, 2024
video clip for those wondering pic.twitter.com/RNBYvnPQAX
— 𝙅𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙧 (@JuniorGotNext) April 18, 2024
For those looking for backstory https://t.co/yiR7dzAIII
— french (@MightDolo) April 18, 2024
KCP on the team doesn't really make that "Team USA selection was better back then" narrative look so good lol
— Tomboy respecter (@dickon07) April 18, 2024
@KingKiBlack @Relle_talk31 @TheGarciaKidd_ He's been locked in all year. He really wants that chip and I'm confident we can get it this yr. Time to prove everyone wrong and get what matters the most. The disrespect is just more motivation.
— Kymmie (@Kymmie2104) April 18, 2024
Kyrie is such a good dude. So happy he’s a Mav
— Luka Stonkic (@LukaStonkic77) April 18, 2024
wish he didnt say the "didnt fit the team" part he fits any team hes better than the other small guards and ppl will take that quote as the excuse for him not being selected
— Thomas Chefferson (@asavnamedcody) April 18, 2024
And people call this man problematic? My king
— Richard Long 🌵 (@GunsUp_RichLong) April 18, 2024
If Irving was on lakers or Knicks he would be on team USA it’s rigged.
— Ethan Melton (@EthanMelto53431) April 18, 2024
Them bums don’t deserve u
— Val 🪄 (@Val_Hoops) April 18, 2024
Man with great character.
— Malcolm (@MalcolmCain6) April 18, 2024
