Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving is attempting to suit up for Team Australia during the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
“We’re in the process of that right now, just trying to figure out what’s going to be the best route for me to be eligible,” Irving told reporters during NBA All-Star festivities. “There’s a lot of paperwork in between that.”
The eight-time All-Star was born in Australia, but he played for Team USA during the 2014 FIBA World Cup as well as the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Irving was part of the 41-player pool for consideration to earn a spot on the 2024 U.S. men’s national team, but he ultimately wasn’t selected for the 12-man roster that won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
The star guard was born in Melbourne, as his father played basketball professionally in Australia. Irving’s family eventually moved to the United States when he was two years old, but he still holds dual American and Australian citizenship.
In order to switch to Team Australia prior to the 2028 Olympics, Irving would need Team USA to clear it (h/t Fox Sports’ Andrew Jackson). Basketball Australia and FIBA must also sign off on the change.
Irving will be 36 years old by the time the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles start, but he hasn’t shown many signs of slowing down.
He’s averaged 24.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game while shooting 47.8 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from behind the arc in 44 starts with the Mavericks this season.
