It seems that Kyrie Irving has different plans for the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The 32-year-old guard of the Dallas Mavericks wants to play for the Australian Boomers, ditching his connection from Team USA.

It's important to note that this has been a long-awaited dream for Aussies to watch Irving in the Boomers' uniform. Being born in Melbourne when his dad played for the Bulleen Boomers, "Uncle Drew" is an Australian citizen and looking to switch allegiances from Team USA.

Irving Wants to Be an Aussie in National Basketball

Kyrie Irving Ditching Team USA? NBA Star to Australia Boomers Kyrie Irving Ditching Team USA? NBA Star to Australia Boomers
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

According to CBS Sports, the Mavs star affirmed during NBA All-Star Weekend that he is going through the process to be eligible to play for the Australian national team: The Boomers.

"We're in the midst of [switching to Team USA] right now," Irving stated. "Just trying to determine what's going to be the best path for me to be eligible. There's a lot of paperwork in between that. Team USA still has a choice to make, but really, if I can be an Aussie for some point in my career and play for the Australian team, that would be great."

Irving's History with Team USA

Irving has enjoyed a storied international career with Team USA, taking home gold medals at the 2014 FIBA World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. But he was omitted from the most recent two Olympic rosters.

Now, he is looking to establish a new home with Australia, which has become a powerhouse on the international scene.

Will FIBA Approve the Switch?

According to FIBA regulations, once a player has played for a nation after the age of 17, they are usually bound to that country unless an exception is made. The ultimate authority lies with FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, who will consider several factors, including:

  • The effect on basketball development in both countries.
  • Competitive balance in FIBA competitions.
  • The player's background with their former national team.

Both USA Basketball and Basketball Australia need to endorse the change before FIBA makes its decision. Yet, recent examples demonstrate how hard it can be. Klay Thompson's bid to represent the Bahamas was rejected, as was Nneka Ogwumike and Elizabeth Williams' bid to play for Nigeria.

Australian Basketball Legend Supports Irving

Irving has the support of Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze, a five-time Olympian, despite the doubt.

"Why wouldn't you be [excited]? He's an NBA superstar and has been for so long," Gaze said. "He does have off-the-wall notions about other things at times, but from a basketball point of view, he's still going at an extremely high level. Hopefully, they can figure out a way to make it work."

What Would Irving Bring to Team Australia?

Australia has increasingly emerged as a basketball giant, taking bronze during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics before narrowly missing out on Paris 2024.

According to CNN, when Irving comes aboard, he will be bolstering a team with elite NBA players, including:

  • Dyson Daniels (Atlanta Hawks)
  • Josh Green (Charlotte Hornets)
  • Josh Giddey (Chicago Bulls)
  • Ben Simmons (Los Angeles Clippers)
  • Patty Mills (Los Angeles Clippers)
  • Dante Exum (Dallas Mavericks)

If Irving is granted FIBA approval, Australia will have a proven winner with a championship pedigree. Yet, based on the obstacles that have faced other players who tried similar things, his Olympic aspirations are uncertain. The next move is in the hands of FIBA, Team USA, and Basketball Australia.

Irving was sued in December for his unpaid services. Elite Mind, a health and wellness company said that the guard had an alleged non-payment of nearly $390,000 for the services rendered during Irving's family retreat in summer.