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Earlier this week, Team USA Basketball announced its roster for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France and the team is filled with veteran NBA stars who are likely on their final go-round with the team.
Barring any injury during the upcoming NBA playoffs, Team USA’s roster will be comprised of OGs such as LeBron James (39 years old), Steph Curry (36), Kevin Durant (35), Jrue Holiday (33), and Kawhi Leonard (32), veterans such as Anthony Davis (31), Joel Embiid (30), Devin Booker (27), Jayson Tatum (26), Bam Adebayo (26), and rising stars in the duo of Tyrese Haliburton (24) and Anthony Edwards (22).
One name that is notably absent from that list is 32 year old Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving, who — off the field controversies aside — is undeniably considered one of his generation’s great players.
Despite Irving’s immense talent, the Mavs star was left off the Team USA roster and he says it’s because he “just didn’t fit in well” with this team, although it’s unclear whether he meant in a sporting sense or a personality sense.
“I wish my brothers well. I just didn’t fit in well with this team,” Irving told reporters after the 12-man roster was announced. “The deliberation process was a tough one. But again, I have nothing but respect for those guys at USA [Basketball]. At this point in my career, I think my focus should be winning a championship.”
Kyrie Irving, who won gold as a member of the 2016 Team USA in Rio, on being left off the ‘24 team after being listed as a finalist. pic.twitter.com/V9T3kOXvzP
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) April 18, 2024
Alongside fellow All-Star Luka Doncic, Irving helped lead the Dallas Mavericks to the #5 seed n the NBA’s Western Conference, setting them up for a first-round playoff matchup against the #4 seed Los Angeles Clippers, which begins on Sunday, April 21.