Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) looks on during the game between the Mavericks and the Hawks at American Airlines Center.
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Dallas Mavericks star guard Kyrie Irving has concerns about social media and gambling impacting the NBA as he goes through later stages of his career.
Irving gears up for the 16th season of his career in the league, his fifth with the Mavericks. Last season saw him rehab his ACL, not taking part in any contests. Making a full recovery, he looks to prove himself to still be productive as a veteran star on a young Mavericks squad.
Irving spoke with media on Monday, discussing potential retirement plans. Now at age 34, the Dallas star is aware of how gambling and social media affected the way people view stars and the league in general.
“You have social media and gambling right now which is just like running rampant and it's not the same NBA that I fell in love with as a kid, and I'm very much aware of that. And I don't say that as a negative thing,” Irving said.
Mavs guard Kyrie Irving when asked about retirement plans:
"You have social media and gambling right now which is just like running rampant and it's not the same NBA that I fell in love with as a kid, and I'm very much aware of that. And I don't say that as a negative thing."…
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 19, 2026