Paris 2024: After Kyrie Irving Admission, Knicks Superstar Gets Team USA Coach Steve Kerr’s Greenlight

This year’s Team USA is undoubtedly going to be one of the most iconic teams from the NBA. With the most talented and elite names in the league looking to get a spot to represent America in the Paris Olympics 2024, it is a challenging decision for USA Basketball. With the 41 players already announced in the Olympic pool, all that’s left is to select the final 12. And a recent admission from Mavericks star guard, Kyrie Irving, only adds to the difficulty of finalizing the list.

But first, Irving will have to probably make a greater impression than his fellow guard and Knicks superstar, Jalen Brunson. In the latest update from Team USA’s coach, Steve Kerr, Brunson seems to be a top prospect for the Avengers. New York Post‘s Stefan Bondy tweeted the Warriors’ head coach’s comment. “Steve Kerr: Jalen Brunson “high on the list” for the Olympic squad.”

Kerr further explained that Brunson’s skills as a player and a leader on the court, as well as his character, are what make him a top candidate to make it to the team. “He’s everything you want as a player,” Steve reiterated. It’s safe to say that Jalen Brunson has made a huge impression on Kerr. And it’s not surprising, really.

He is a major reason that the Knicks have emerged as a contender this season. Brunson is averaging 27.6 points, 6.4 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game – some of the best numbers of his career. Not to mention, out of the 11 40-point games in the regular season, seven are in this season. Just another fact that points to the 2023-24 season being a breakout season for No. 11.

Kyrie Irving, Jalen Brunson, and the Paris Olympics 2024

When Irving made his interest in playing for Team USA known, the 41-player pool was already overflowing with talent. From veterans like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, and Jrue Holiday to younger stars like Tyrese Haliburton, Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, and more making solid cases, the sky is the limit for this year’s team.

Among these, LeBron, KD, AD, Joel Embiid, Edwards, Kawhi Leonard, and Tatum are pretty much guaranteed names in the Final 12. And that’s when Irving and Brunson, courtesy of Kerr, come into the dias. As far as numbers go, Brunson is probably outplaying the NBA champion and has a 16-game advantage over Irving’s 47.

Read More: Paris Olympics 2024: Ex-MVP Kyrie Irving Could Land a Spot on LeBron James’ ‘Avengers’ Over Younger NBA Stars

But then again, Kyrie Irving has experience on his side. Aside from being an 8x All-Star, he was part of the 2016 Team USA Rio de Janeiro Olympics (gold medal), the 2014 FIBA World Cup (gold medal and named the MVP), and another gold in the 2010 FIBA America’s Under 18 Championship. Brunson, for his part, was part of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Each owing to stellar performance backed by statistics, have left coach Steve Kerr with a challenging decision as he finalizes a roster for the big stage.