The star-studded roster of the USA men’s basketball team for the 2024 Paris Olympics, since its revelation, has created a lot of buzz. While some stars will appear for the first time in the Olympics, other experienced ones have been left out. One of them is Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving.
There was a spot left for the twelfth man in the squad, which was filled by Kawhi Leonard instead of Irving, despite Kyrie having the desire to represent the national team in the Summer Olympics.
While speaking about not making it to the team, the 32-year-old said, “I just didn’t fit into this team. I think the deliberation process was a tough one. But again, I have nothing but respects to those guys of USAB.”
Irving took part in the 2016 Olympics and earned the gold medal, but this time he wasn’t called. Despite his exclusion, the 8-time All-Star sent best wishes to his contemporaries who have made it to the squad.
Irving further disclosed that he missed those days when there was a try-out system to see the best fits for the team. But time has changed, and Kyrie is keen on moving past his USA days. He is now focusing on one particular mission.
Kyrie Irving focuses on winning championship with Mavs
The intense games in this regular season brought out the best from Kyrie Irving, who seemed to be in a different zone, providing huge support for his closest teammate Luka Doncic, and the Mavericks. A glimpse of his hunger to bag the second championship ring could be seen in his performance night after night.
While speaking of his championship aspirations, the Mavs guard expressed, “At this point in my career, I think my focus should be on winning the championship.”
Irving had last won the championship in 2016 with the Cleveland Cavaliers and his experience might be of help to the Dallas franchise in the playoff series. Though there are doubters who feel the Mavs do not have all the required pieces to win the prestigious title, Irving’s strong determination could prove them wrong.
