LeBron James commented on returning to Team USA for the first time since the 2012 London Olympics and teaming up with Anthony Davis on the national team once again.
"It's everything. It's the first time in 12 years for me with Team USA. I have a great time in the red, white, and blue... It's gonna be extremely fun. We've done it before, he [Anthony Davis] was fresh out of college, we hadn't won a championship together, we hadn't spent our seasons together. But to be alongside him and the rest of the guys, the coaching staff... I am extremely excited."
LeBron is among the 12 players finalized as selections for the Olympic Games this year. The roster features an intriguing mix of young talent and veterans, with LeBron, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry leading the charge. Veterans such as Davis, Jrue Holiday, and Kawhi Leonard will also be on the squad.
Current NBA stars in their prime such as Jayson Tatum, Bam Adebayo, Devin Booker, and Joel Embiid will also feature on the team. Young stars such as Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton round out an incredibly talented group.
Notable Absences In Team USA
Plenty of talented players were left off the list to accommodate the 12 players who'll be going. Some of the names on the cut list include Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, and Paolo Banchero, among others. The biggest omission has to be former Gold medallist Kyrie Irving, who's in the midst of a great season for the Dallas Mavericks.
Irving commented on his absence from the squad, expressing his disappointment.
“I wish my brothers well. I just didn’t fit into this team. I think the deliberation process was a tough one. But again, I have nothing but respect for those guys of 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."
Irving also wondered why players no longer have tryouts for the national team.
“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... I missed that fun part of it of just getting together, but I just wish my brothers well.”
Irving averaged 25.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists this season,m making a compelling case for his inclusion. His off-ball ability and pinch-scoring would have been a tremendous asset, especially compared to the inconsistent offense younger players like Edwards and Haliburton are prone to.
There are probably many off-court factors influencing the decision as well, with Irving's controversies on the Brooklyn Nets hurting his career considerably. He's done a great job of rebuilding his image on the Mavericks, with another championship win elevating his career back to among the greatest guards in NBA history.
More must-reads: