Kyrie Irving has had enough of former NBA stars constantly criticizing today's players. In a passionate Twitch stream, he called out ex-players like Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley for fostering negativity rather than mentorship in NBA media.
Kyrie Irving has had enough. In a passionate Twitch stream, the Mavericks star ripped into former NBA players who have built their second careers around criticizing today’s game.
Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving
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"They have lost their way," Irving declared. "I will say their names when I see them in person, but there are some former players that just talk sh*t. They don’t even talk about anything - just hate on the players."
Irving’s frustration stems from the relentless critiques thrown at modern players by NBA legends-turned-analysts like Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kendrick Perkins.
Shaq, in particular, has earned a reputation for his sharp-tongued takes, often tearing into current players. His harsh criticism of Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, calling him "the worst player he's ever seen," is just one example of the negativity Irving is pushing back against.
Shaq has defended his style of tough love, arguing that the greats of his time didn’t coddle young players, but instead pushed them through criticism. However, Irving and many others believe the NBA landscape has changed, requiring a different form of mentorship and respect.
Irving passionately criticized former players for treating today's stars with contempt rather than support.
"We valued their journeys. We respected their journeys," Irving said. "And then when you see somebody you admire go on TV and say, 'Get over it because you make more money' - I’m so sick of that f***ing excuse."
He argued that high salaries shouldn’t disqualify players from experiencing emotions or struggling through challenges, calling out the constant dismissal of modern stars for issues like load management and player empowerment.
Irving, along with many fans and fellow athletes, hopes for a shift toward a more constructive and balanced discourse.
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