Paris Olympics 2024: Kyrie Irving Snub Acceptable for Paul Pierce Only Until 21-Year-Old NBA Star’s Spot Is Unaffected

Kyrie Irving‘s 21-foot left-handed floater over Nikola Jokic was the shot of the year. But apparently, that wasn’t enough for him to get included in the USA’s roster for the 2024 Summer Games in Paris. USA Basketball has gathered impressive talents for the men’s Olympic team. The exclusion of some notable names, including Irving, surprised fans and NBA veterans alike. However, NBA veteran Paul Pierce believes that Irving’s snub can be justified if a specific condition is fulfilled.

In the recent segment of The Ticket & The Truth, the veterans revealed their opinions on two fitting players who could replace Joel Embiid and the final pick, Kawhi Leonard. While Garnett suggested that the roster isn’t complete without Irving, Pierce added that the significant addition of Paolo Banchero can help the team. “I’m cool with bringing Kyrie, but if it’s at the expense of a young guy like Paulo, if they can bring him, I want him because you already got the OGs in there,” Pierce said.

He further added, “Bring a guy like Paulo in that mix cuz he going to be part of the next wave in four years from now he going to be in that mix to where he gonna be the leader a starter on the USA team…In the next four years from now they are not going to be there so you got to have a solid foundation for the next team let me say this to all the young guys who have the ability and the chance to either practice or play with the USA team”

As per Pierce, Banchero is the missing piece the team needs. The team already boasts all the OGs and NBA greats. Adding Banchero would involve preparing a player capable of leading the team in the future when the OGs are no longer present. In 2022, the Atlantic Coast Conference named Banchero the Rookie of the Year.

Pierce stated that the Orlando Magic player possesses the abilities to potentially become the foundation of the next Team USA and a future leader. However, with the announcement of the final roster, there’s no hope for that. Here’s what Irving thinks about his snub.

Kyrie Irving opened up about losing the coveted spot on Team USA

The tough competition that might have made the USA Basketball snub Irving is Jrue Holiday. The selection of Holiday, who has more knowledge and prowess in defense, means a more balanced team for the USA.

But many believe Irving would have fit the team better than Leonard. Like Garnett, former NBA player Brandon Jennings also shared his opinion on whether Irving would have been the right choice. “I think Kyrie should be on the team,” Jennings said during his appearance on The Gil’s Arena Podcast.

On the other hand, the Dallas Mavericks player has a similar opinion as the USA basketball recruitment team. He revealed that he “would have loved to” if given a chance to join the team. “But I wish my brothers well, and I just didn’t fit into this team. … I have nothing but respect for those guys over at USAB. At this point in my career, I think my focus should be on winning the championship,” Irving said to Dallas Basketball writer Grant Afseth.

What is your opinion on the matter? Let us know in the comments section below.