Is Irving considering retirement? “The NBA isn’t the same anymore”
The NBA has changed, and Kyrie Irving is feeling it more than ever. From thoughts about retirement to criticism of the league, here’s what he had to say
Preparing for his return to the court, Kyrie Irving shared his thoughts on the current state of the NBA and his future with Christian Clark of The Athletic.
Basketball is an eternal flame. But when it comes to the NBA schedule and everything that comes with it, you really have to love that part too. The weight training. The hours nobody sees. The media preparation. Showing up every day ready to play at a high level. And now you’ve got social media and gambling, which are running rampant. It’s not the same NBA I fell in love with as a kid
Kyrie Irving
Irving went on to explain that playing in the league has become “less human” and “more robotic” compared to when he was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, while also hinting at his future plans.
I don’t see myself playing in the NBA at 42 or 43 years old. Shoutout to the boss who’s still out there and keeps going. Steph (Curry) too. Klay (Thompson), James (Harden) and KD (Kevin Durant). For a long time, I looked up to those guys as older brothers, but now that I’m 34, 35 years old, I enjoy growing as a man and embracing my maturity more than growing as a basketball player
Kyrie Irving
The reference to “the boss” was about LeBron James, whom Irving played alongside with the Cleveland Cavaliers from the 2014-15 through the 2016-17 season, winning an NBA championship together. James has just begun a new chapter with the Philadelphia 76ers and will soon turn 42.
Irving still has plenty to offer on the court, but his words suggest he has no intention of playing for many more years. For now, fans can enjoy his return to action. He’ll think about the future when the time comes.