Hall of Famer Spencer Haywood is calling for Jaylen Brown and Kyrie Irving to suit up for Team USA at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, urging USA Basketball to put politics aside.
In a conversation with NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, Haywood emphasized that both stars deserve a roster spot based on talent and principle.
“Oh he’s GOTTA play in the 2028 Olympics,” Haywood said about Brown, adding, “You CANNOT leave him off, nor can you leave Kyrie off.”
Haywood, a 1968 Olympic gold medalist, spoke from experience when voicing concerns about the influence of non-basketball factors in national team selection.
“It’s ALL politics,” Haywood said bluntly. “And it’s always some s—t goin’ on.”
While the current Team USA core helped secure Olympic gold in Paris, Haywood believes a roster shake-up is inevitable by 2028.
He pointed to aging veterans, player injuries, and shifting priorities as key reasons the national team must embrace new contributors.
Brown, a two-way All-NBA forward, and Irving, a former Olympic gold medalist and NBA champion, both bring elite experience and skill that Haywood believes are crucial for Team USA’s future.
As USA Basketball looks toward Los Angeles 2028, he believes both Brown and Irving offer a rare combination of talent, leadership, and authenticity.
