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Team USA should bring back tryouts, says Kyrie Irving.

Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving narrowly missed out on a spot on Team USA’s roster this year. While he’s unlikely to lose much sleep over the snub, he does express frustration at not being given the opportunity to try out.

“I wish my brothers well. I just didn’t fit into this team,” Irving stated via Brad Townsend. “I think the deliberation process was tough. But again, I have nothing but respect for those guys at USAB. At this point in my career, I think my focus should be on winning the championship, and in the summertime, just go and support those guys when I get a chance… I kind of miss those days of just being able to get everybody together, break bread, and then compete against one another.”

The new selection process for Team USA remains unfamiliar to Irving, who grew up during a time when Olympic athletes had to earn their spots through tryouts. Reflecting on his experiences competing alongside Olympic legends like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Carmelo Anthony, Irving expressed a desire for the return of tryouts.

“I grew up in a time when we 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,” Irving recalled. “I think the timing’s a little bit different now. The deliberation process happens at the end of the four or five-day process even though people know who’s going to be on the team. I missed that fun part of just getting together, but I just wish my brothers well.”

Irving, a three-time gold medalist and veteran of Team USA in various tournaments, had hoped to lead the USA on a redemption arc in the upcoming World Cup in Paris. However, with the new selection process in place since 2023, players no longer have the opportunity to try out for the roster, and decisions are made solely by President Jim Tooley and head coach Steve Kerr. Despite his impressive performance for the Mavericks this season, averaging 25.6 points, 5.2 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game on 49% shooting, Irving did not receive an invite to join the team.

Team USA Is Back With A Vengeance

Even without the addition of Kyrie Irving, USA Basketball boasts a formidable roster for the upcoming tournament this summer. As of the current roster, it includes LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Joel Embiid, Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis, Tyrese Haliburton, Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, Devin Booker, Jrue Holiday, and Bam Adebayo.

In a backcourt featuring Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker, and Anthony Edwards, it’s conceivable that USA Basketball deemed Irving as not fitting well with the team. With LeBron James expected to handle much of the ball-handling duties, the offense is likely to revolve around him.

However, despite their confidence in the final roster, Team USA cannot afford another disappointing performance. Following their fourth-place finish in last year’s World Cup, America’s top superstars have united, and there are high expectations for a dominant showing. Anything less would underscore the notion that USA Basketball has encountered challenges and that the talent disparity they once enjoyed over the rest of the world is no longer guaranteed.