Kyrie Irving missed the recent reunion vacation of the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers’ championship-winning squad. Fans speculated on why he was not with LeBron James and company, with many suggesting bad blood among the former teammates. JR Smith’s statement that Irving “ghosted” the team put more fuel to these rumors. However, the Dallas Mavericks guard has now clarified doubts in a recent video on social media.
Earlier, Irving posted an image of the 2016 NBA champions and shared a cryptic caption that led several fans and the media to suggest theories. The shifty guard talked about the narratives on social media and promised to get back with the team when he meets them next.
Irving said in the video posted on Tuesday, June 23, on X:
“We’re good, we’re more than good. When I get back to the states, imma pop in with them. We’re gonna chop it up, we’re gonna have a great time and you’re gonna leave it at that cuz the immaturity behind using media to spin narratives, Psychotic bro.”
Irving went on to add that he knew he was a public figure and that such criticism and speculations were normal. He said that such events have happened repeatedly in his life, calling it “pattern recognition,” and believed it was important to call it out when things go out of control.
Several players in the NBA have talked about media narratives and how they impact fans’ perspectives. Meanwhile, Irving is nursing an ACL tear he suffered in the 2024-25 season. As the Mavericks look to rebuild, his position with the team is set to undergo a major change.
Kyrie Irving gets ready to lead the Mavericks under new coach
Kyrie Irving’s season ended after an ACL tear in March 2025, and then, he missed the 2025-26 season entirely. A lot has happened in his absence, from the franchise giving up all major contracts in midseason trades to getting the national championship-winning coach, Dusty May.
Moreover, Cooper Flagg was the team’s biggest asset last season, and he has yet to play with the veteran guard. While Irving’s name has come up in some trade talks, several insiders have highlighted that the Mavs will retain the vet, as he is all the experience the team has left.
With May at the helm, the team will likely undergo some changes next season. Moreover, things will depend on how the Flagg-Irving duo works out for the team. It’ll be interesting to see the two hoop together in Dallas.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in the NBA, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
