Dyson Daniels says Australia would welcome Kyrie Irving “with open arms” as the NBA star pursues eligibility to play in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving recently reiterated his interest in representing Australia at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels made it clear he’d be thrilled to have him on board.
Irving, born in Melbourne and with dual Australian and American citizenship, said during NBA All-Star Weekend that he has begun seeking eligibility to play for the Boomers.
“We're in the process of that right now, just trying to figure out what's going to be the best route for me to be eligible,” Irving said. “There's a lot of paperwork in between that.”
Since Irving previously represented Team USA — winning gold medals at the 2014 FIBA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics — he would need to be released by USA Basketball and approved by both Basketball Australia and FIBA to make the switch.
Daniels, one of the key young pieces in Australia’s next generation of talent, said he would welcome Irving’s presence without hesitation.
“Oh yeah, I love it. I love it,” Daniels told RG. “I know he wants to do it. We want him to come play for us. There's a lot of stuff that has to get cleared for him to come play, but we welcome him with open arms. He's a brother. He's an Australian.
You know our hearts, so we definitely want him to come play for us.”
Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 50 games this season for the Dallas Mavericks before suffering a torn ACL in his left knee. The injury during a recent game against the Sacramento Kings will sideline him for the remainder of the season with an unclear timetable for the 2025-26 season.
Despite the setback, Daniels remains enthusiastic about Irving's potential contribution to a rising Australian core that continues to evolve internationally.
Whether Irving plays or not, Daniels is encouraged by the Australian program's direction. Daniels understands the responsibility he faces, along with Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey, to fill leadership voids after learning from Patty Mills and Joe Ingles.
If the process is finalized, Irving will join a rising Australian roster with plenty of intriguing talent set to impact and join the NBA ranks during this current Olympic cycle leading into 2028. It's unlikely to occur based on FIBA’s track record, but it remains a storyline to monitor.
Grant Afseth
