Dallas Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving reflected on his exclusion from the Team USA roster for the Paris Olympics, expressing his support for his teammates.
Irving, a gold medalist in the 2016 Rio Olympics, shared his perspective on the selection process and emphasized his focus on pursuing an NBA championship.
Despite not making the cut, Irving conveyed his respect for the USAB and his willingness to support the team from the sidelines.
“I wish my brothers well. 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 respects to those guys of USAB.
“At this point in my career I think my focus should be on winning the championship and in summer time to just go and support those guys when I get a chance.
“I grew up in a time when we actually had to try out for USAB. And 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.
“I think the timing’s a little bit different. 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 at the end of like the four days or five-day process even though people know who’s going to be on the team. I missed that fun part of it of just getting together, but I just wish my brothers well.”
Irving averaged 25.6 points, 5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in 35 minutes per game for the Mavericks during the regular season.
