Kyrie Irving has never been one to shy away from controversy, and his latest move is bound to ruffle some feathers. The Dallas Mavericks star has revealed that he’s actively working on switching allegiances from Team USA to Australia in time for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles-a move that could shake up international basketball.
Speaking at NBA All-Star weekend, Irving confirmed that he’s in the process of determining his eligibility to represent the country of his birth rather than the nation where he built his career.
“We’re in the process of that right now,” Irving told reporters. “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.”
The 32-year-old guard was born in Melbourne, Australia, but was raised in the U.S. He’s already won gold medals for Team USA at the 2014 FIBA World Cup and the 2016 Olympics in Rio. But after skipping the last two Olympic cycles, it seems he’s looking for a fresh start-this time in a green and gold jersey.
Age is already a factor in Irving’s career
“Obviously, Team USA still has a decision to make,” he admitted. “But for me, 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.”
At 36 years old by the time the Olympics arrive in Los Angeles, Irving’s spot on a loaded Team USA roster wouldn’t be guaranteed. The U.S. team has consistently been stacked with young superstars, making competition fierce for roster spots. On the other hand, Australia would likely welcome a nine-time NBA All-Star with open arms.
Irving’s flirtation with Team Australia isn’t the only eyebrow-raising comment he made over the weekend. When asked about the potential of a USA vs. the World format for future NBA All-Star Games, he declared that he’d side with the international players.
Kyrie Irving vs. Team USA
“I would pick the world right now, man, for competition’s sake,” the Mavericks star said, adding, “I’m always gonna be with my USA guys… but I’m just grateful that I can be both. Raised in the U.S., but born in Australia.”
With a hypothetical international squad featuring stars like Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Victor Wembanyama, and Nikola Jokic, Irving’s presence could help tip the scales in favor of the global talent pool.
But for now, the biggest question remains: will Irving actually make the switch, or is this just another chapter in his ever-unpredictable career? One thing’s for sure-if he does don an Australian jersey in 2028, it will be one of the most stunning Olympic basketball shake-ups in recent history.
