Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving left off Team USA for 2024 Paris Olympics: ‘I just didn’t fit’

Kyrie Irving isn’t a stranger to basketball at the international level, given his history with the United States men’s national team.

The veteran Mavericks guard won a gold medal twice with Team USA, once as a member of the national team that competed in the 2014 FIBA World Cup, and again in 2016 when the Americans won gold at the Rio Olympics.

Irving was not included on the star-studded 12-man roster that will compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, despite being a part of the initial pool of 41 players. He confirmed Tuesday that he wanted to play for Team USA this summer, but acknowledged his focus should be helping the Mavericks win a title.

“I would’ve loved to, but I wish my brothers well and I just didn’t fit in to this team,” Irving said. “I think the deliberation process was a tough one, but again, I have nothing but respect for those guys at USAB. At this point in my career, I think my focus should be on winning the championship and in the summertime, just going to support those guys when I get a chance.”

Irving’s support will go toward an illustrious group: Bam Adebayo, Devin Booker, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Haliburton, Jrue Holiday, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard and Jayson Tatum.

The team was selected by Grant Hill, who became the managing director of Team USA on April 3, 2021.

There was a significant amount of interest in this year’s Olympic games following Team USA’s disappointing result in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. It was the second time the US failed to medal in its second consecutive World Cup, and the first time it’s happened since 1970.

After winning the Rio Olympics, Irving became the fourth player to win an NBA championship and Olympic gold medal in the same year. The list has grown to six since then. James, Holiday, Khris Middleton, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen are also part of the exclusive club.

Irving also commented on the selection process of the team.

“I grew up in a time when we actually had to try out for USAB,” Irving said. “We did meet up as a group and as peers and there was a mutual respect that we earned from one another in trying out and seeing what five meshed well. Obviously, I think the timing is a little different but I kind of miss those days of just being able to get everybody together, break bread and then compete against one another and then the deliberation process happens. … I miss that fun part of just getting together, but I wish my brothers well.”

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