By james art 
Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving said he “just didn’t fit in” on the 12-player basketball roster selected to represent Team USA at the upcoming Olympics.
Irving has twice enjoyed success with USA Basketball (USAB) – winning gold at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Rio Olympics – and has expressed his desire to be part of an Olympic roster again.
However, Irving was left off the roster as the selectors selected first-time Olympian Steph Curry, Devin Booker, Jrue Holiday, Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Halliburton at the guard positions.
The U.S. is looking for redemption of sorts after a disappointing FIFA World Cup last year, in which the team finished without a medal. Only Halliburton and Edwards remain from that team.
“I wish my brothers well. I just didn’t fit in with this team,” he told reporters after Mavericks practice Thursday. “The discussion process was difficult. But again, I have nothing but respect for those USAB guys.
“At this point in my career I think my focus has to be on winning a championship and in the summer I’ll just support these guys when I get the chance.”
Irving then began reminiscing about the old selection format for the national team, which he said involved the group of players competing against each other in practices and scrimmages before roster decisions were made.
This year’s announcement process was certainly different, with USA Basketball Managing Director Grant Hill traveling the country to personally deliver Team USA jerseys to each player selected.
“I also grew up in a time when we actually had to try out for USAB and we met as a group and as peers and there was a mutual respect that we gained from each other trying out and then seeing what five hooked well,” Irving said.
“I think obviously the timing is a bit different, but I kind of miss those days when I was just able to get everyone together, break bread and then compete against each other. The debriefing process then happens at the end of the four- or five-day process, although people know who will be on the team.
“I miss the fun part of it, just getting together, but I wish my brothers well.”
Team USA will hold training camp and exhibition games in Las Vegas beginning July 5 before traveling to Paris.
The opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics will be held on July 26, with men’s basketball starting the following day.
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