Basketball

Dyson Daniels on Kyrie Irving’s Pursuit to Join Australia for Olympics: “We Would Welcome Him with Open Arms”

Published: Mar 10, 2025, 11:30 AM
4 min read
Updated: Jul 8, 2025, 7:46 AM
Fact checked by:
Sergey Demidov
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

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.  

“We’ve got a lot of young guys coming through, a lot of potential,” Daniels told RG. “The world stage is so difficult now to win. It’s going to be tough every game, but I think we’ve got a good core group of guys. Patty Mills and Joe Ingles helped build the culture of the group, and now it’s on the young guys to keep that going. I really like the group we’ve got coming through.”

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. 

NBA Reporter

Grant Afseth is a Dallas-based basketball writer with over eight years of experience covering the NBA. He’s spent time on the Mavericks beat for Sports Illustrated and now writes for Sportskeeda.com and DallasHoopsJournal.com. Known for his analysis, engaging interviews, and breaking news coverage, Grant provides a fresh angle to the game.

Interests:
NBA
WNBA

NBA Writers

Pat Pickens
Pat Pickens
Sports Reporter

Pat Pickens is a veteran sportswriter who has been covering pro sports for the past 11-plus years, with bylines in Associated Press, New York Times, USA Today and more. He is the author of the 2021 non-fiction book “The Whalers,” about the history of the NHL’s Hartford Whalers.

Meet All Our Experts

More RG Exclusive Interviews

Basketball
Interview
Shaq Praises Cooper Flagg, Gives Opinion on Rockets Trading For Durant

Shaquille O’Neal spoke to RG about Cooper Flagg’s development with the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets pulling off a blockbuster trade for Kevin Durant.

5
07/18/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
Shaq Praises Cooper Flagg, Gives Opinion on Rockets Trading For Durant
Basketball
Analysis
CSE Holds Vegas Pro Day as Multiple Players Draw Interest From Teams

On Tuesday morning, basketball personnel came together to watch and observe free agents represented by CSE who are looking for their next stop.

4
07/17/2025
Spencer Davies
Spencer Davies
CSE Holds Vegas Pro Day as Multiple Players Draw Interest From Teams
Basketball
News Report
Victor Oladipo Makes NBA Comeback Push With Impressive Vegas Workouts

Victor Oladipo impressed teams in Las Vegas with explosive 5-on-5 play as he eyes an NBA return during Summer League.

4
07/15/2025
Grant Afseth
Grant Afseth
Victor Oladipo Makes NBA Comeback Push With Impressive Vegas Workouts
Basketball
Opinion
Celtics Must Pursue Damian Lillard to Pair With Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum is reportedly recruiting Damian Lillard to the Boston Celtics, and the organization should follow his lead and pursue the nine-time All-Star.

5
07/14/2025
Quinn Allen
Quinn Allen
Celtics Must Pursue Damian Lillard to Pair With Jayson Tatum
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Read our
Privacy Policy
.