On Wednesday, the American Federation revealed the names of the twelve players selected for the Paris Olympic Games. In the Team USA squad, three playmakers: Stephen Curry, Tyrese Haliburton and Jrue Holiday. No Kyrie Irving, world champion in 2014 and Olympic champion in 2016. Like Jalen Brunson, another notable absentee in the lead, the leader of the Mavericks will watch the Olympics on television.
“I would have loved (to be part of the team), and I wish my brothers good luck. It's just that I didn't fit well with this team.”, reacted the Olympic champion. “This has been a difficult deliberation, but I have nothing but respect for those at the head of the federation. I have to focus on winning the title and supporting the guys this summer when I get the chance. »
Nostalgia for gatherings
What the former Cavaliers leader seems to miss is above all the group spirit that emerges from these international competitions, but also the atmosphere of the gatherings where the best American players challenge each other to win their place, or convince the coach that they deserve to be a starter.
“I also grew up at a time when we had to do trials with the federation, and there were rallies”he recalls. “There was a respect for each other during his trials, seeing which five fit together best. The times are a little different, but I miss those times when we could be together. We would eat together, then we would compete against each other – and then the selection process would take place at the end of those four or five days. Even though people knew who was on the team. »
While waiting to support some of his former teammates, Kyrie Irving goes in search of a second NBA title. To do this, he will first have to eliminate the Clippers of Kawhi Leonard, last called by Grant Hill and Steve Kerr…
