‘Distracting mess’: Boomers legends torn on NBA champion Kyrie Irving donning the green and gold

Melbourne-born NBA star Kyrie Irving has expressed his interest in playing for the Boomers at the 2028 Olympics and while BA is open to it, some past champions aren’t so keen on the move.

Basketball Australia has opened the door for NBA champion Kyrie Irving to represent the Boomers, but concede there are hurdles to make the shock move a reality.

It comes as Boomers greats are divided over Irving expressing interest in representing Australia at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics at age 36.

Legendary big man Andrew Vlahov fears the inclusion of the Dallas Mavericks guard could be a “distracting mess” while others are prepared to give him a chance.

Irving was born in Melbourne before moving to the United States as an infant.

He has represented America on two occasions – winning gold medals at the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Rio Olympics.

However, after being snubbed from the United States’ gold medal run at the Paris Olympics, the veteran has entertained the prospect of changing allegiances heading into the next Games.

Patty Millsplaying against Kyrie Irving at the 2016 Olympics. Picture: AFP

Irving declared he would “love” to play for Australia and it would be an “easy” transition, although he doesn’t think it’s a strong possibility at this point.

The former No. 1 NBA draft pick would require both Team USA and FIBA to grant him a release to play for the Boomers.

Irving has already had one bid to play for Australia in 2016 blocked by the Americans.

Basketball Australia would consider the NBA gun for selection, but acknowledge the road to a potential approval is complicated.

“We are aware that Kyrie was born in Australia and there is potentially a case for him to play for the Boomers however there are complexities with eligibility,” Jason Smith EGM high performance and former Boomers captain told News Corp Australia.

Kyrie Irving is one of the stars of the NBA. Picture: AFP

“He is a champion of the game and I’m sure every Australian basketball fan will be delighted to know that he was born here and if eligible he would like to be considered to play for our country.”

Boomers great Andrew Bogut believes Irving would be a “game changer” if he played for Australia, but he doubts FIBA will approve the move.

Fellow legendary big man Vlahov agrees with Bogut while he also feels like the polarising NBA would attract unwanted hype for the Australians.

“It’s highly (unlikely he gets approval),” Vlahov said.

“It would turn into a distracting mess.”

Kyrie Irving is considering Team Australia for the 2028 Olympics if he’s not selected for Team USA, per Sam Amick 👀🇦🇺

Could you see this happening? pic.twitter.com/0zHL2L8IkX

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 11, 2024

Former Boomers captain and coach Phil Smyth feels more positive about a potential Irving and Australia connection.

Smyth can see merit in adding such a potent scoring guard who could complement a playmaker like Josh Giddey in the backcourt.

“Why not if he (Irving) is keen and his attitude is right,” Smyth said.

“I could see it working as long as he committed to the brotherhood.”

Irving faces an uphill battle to gain FIBA approval given there is no precedent of a player transferring from one major country to another.

In 2023, FIBA granted Philadelphia 76ers shooting guard Eric Gordon permission to switch from the USA to The Bahamas.

Fellow 76er Joel Embiid was eligible to play for Cameroon, France and the United States, but opted to commit to America for the Paris Olympics.

Irving is heading into his 14th NBA season full of motivation after his Dallas Mavericks lost in the Finals to the Boston Celtics.

Do you want Kyrie Irving in the Boomers side? Picture: Getty Images/AFP

IRVING A BOOMER?

Former coach Brian Goorjian: Yes “Have to look at that”

Chris Anstey: No

Andrew Vlahov: No

Mark Bradtke: No

Andrew Gaze: Yes

Phil Smyth: Yes

Andrew Bogut: Yes but doesn’t think FIBA will approve

Originally published as ‘Distracting mess’: Boomers legends torn on NBA champion Kyrie Irving donning the green and gold