Irving was now nearly 42 years old. Although he hadn't announced his retirement from the NBA, he had, in effect, already entered semi-retirement.
His physical condition and competitive form could no longer keep up with the NBA's current level of intensity.
Since Irving held dual American and Australian citizenship, he had gone to Australia, hoping to find work as a veteran player or an assistant coach.
Of course, he wasn't doing it for the money. He just wanted to represent Australia.
In fact, he had wanted to play for Australia eight years ago, but for various reasons, it hadn't worked out.
This time, after everyone involved coordinated, he was finally able to represent Australia and fulfill that dream.
Of course, he had an even bigger dream.
That was to win a medal with Australia.
But luck wasn't on his side. He had hoped to advance as the top team in the group, so they wouldn't have to face China in the round of 16. Instead, Australia had blown one game and finished second in the group, putting them up against China.
Even so, Irving wasn't too disappointed.
[That Lakers game today—game-winner, game-tying shot, then another game-winner. What a roller coaster. The old man's crucial mistake at the end was a shame.]
After all, having once stood at the very pinnacle of basketball, how could he not want to face off against the best player in the world today?
At that moment, Sebring was lying on the floor, happily clutching his ribs and wailing, while Delavashowa stood by the sideline with both hands raised, protesting to the referee:
Getting to face a world-class player like Wang Yi was a pleasure in itself for Irving.
As Irving made his way onto the court, he quietly thought to himself, *The Intermediate