Pregame rituals are a fascinating aspect of NBA life, and this season, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving have both made headlines with theirs. While LeBron's chalk toss is a familiar sight, Kyrie Irving's rituals, though less publicized, are equally intriguing.
Known for his dedication to these routines, Irving's former teammate Dzanan Musa shared insights on the 6.75 Range podcast. According to Musa, Irving's pre-practice ritual of burning sage was so important that teammates had to wait outside the locker room until it was completed.
“Before every practice, he would burn sage. We weren’t allowed to enter the locker room until he drove away the evil spirits,” Musa revealed.
Irving's rituals, including sage burning, are deeply rooted in indigenous practices, reflecting his personal and cultural heritage. His commitment to these ceremonies underscores their significance beyond mere superstition.
Currently, Irving is sidelined with an injury, leaving him yet to make his season debut for the Mavericks. This absence has been felt, especially with rookie sensation Cooper Flagg stepping up in his place.
Irving recently praised Flagg during a Twitch livestream, highlighting the young player's remarkable achievements at just 19 years old. “He’s doing things that some of the greats didn’t do.
He’s chasing history,” Irving noted.
The Mavericks, having traded Anthony Davis at the trade deadline, are relying heavily on Flagg in Irving's absence. With Irving's influence on his potential return still uncertain, Flagg may continue to shoulder the team's hopes for the rest of the season.