Kyrie Irving, the superstar guard for the Dallas Mavericks, is considering a remarkable new chapter in his international basketball career as he expresses interest in potentially representing Australia at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Irving, who previously donned the red, white, and blue as part of the U.S. national team, including winning gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2014 World Cup, is now exploring the path to eligibility for the Australian team, having been born down under.
"We’re in the process of it right now," Irving stated during the recent NBA All-Star weekend. "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." His father was playing professional basketball in Melbourne at the time of his birth, giving Irving dual citizenship and adding to the personal significance of this potential team transfer.
Despite his illustrious history with Team USA, including his contributions during their successful campaigns, Irving has not participated in the last two Olympic events—in Tokyo 2021 or Paris 2024—and finds himself evaluating his options. At 32 years old, he acknowledges the increasing competition for spots on the Team USA roster, which historically has been populated by top-tier talent.
"Obviously, Team USA still has a decision to make... Honestly, if I can be an Aussie at one point in my career and play for the Australian team, I think it would be great," Irving remarked, highlighting his desire to explore this opportunity with professionalism and dedication. He intends to wait and see if there is space available for him with Team USA, stating he plans to "do what’s best for me." His comments underline his deep respect for both nations and his unique position, being raised primarily in the U.S. yet grounded by his Australian heritage.
Team Australia, meanwhile, would certainly benefit from having a seasoned veteran like Irving on their roster. His experience as a nine-time All-Star and integral player during his tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers—where he helped secure their first NBA championship—positions him to make significant contributions to any team he joins. Currently, Irvine is having one of his strongest seasons, averaging 24.6 points and 4.8 assists per game.
Irving's exploration of Australian team eligibility adds another layer to what has already been a historic career. His skillset is renowned globally, with his ability to score from various areas on the court and his exceptional ball-handling capabilities. This prospect—and its timing—further ignites conversations surrounding international basketball and how players navigate these waters.
The prospect of Irving representing Australia certainly piques the interest of basketball fans around the world, especially as the discussion of Olympic representation evolves. The NBA community is abuzz with what this could mean for both Team Australia and Team USA—especially if he decides to make the jump. Playing for Australia could connect him with yet another basketball lineage, creating spectacle not just for the 2028 Games but for the entire global basketball community.
Irving's comments emerged amid the growing success and popularity of international competitions, which echo the increasing dynamism of basketball on the global stage. Notably, he referenced the excitement around the NHL's All-Star format shift to include international teams, using it as inspiration as he considers his potential paths.
"I’m always going to be with my USA guys. We have so much history together. I’m just grateful I can be both—raised in the U.S. but born in Australia," he concluded, reiterative the duality of his basketball identity and the unique situation he holds as he potentially gears up for the next phase.
For now, Irving stands at the crossroads of legacy and new opportunities, making what could be one of the most significant decisions of his storied career. While he awaits feedback on his eligibility from Team USA, the possibility of him proudly wearing the Australian colors at the Los Angeles Olympics looms intriguingly on the horizon.