The Dallas Mavericks superstar Kyrie Irving and media personality Stephen A. Smith have traded barbs over the years. Sometimes that’s what Irving does or says off the field. Other times it is what Irving does and doesn’t do on the field. However, there have been times when both sides have agreed. The latest occurred after an account was reposted by Irving share motivational tips on Instagram. In the Instagram video, Irving gets down to business, saying he doesn’t feel normal. But, despite that feeling, Irving knows he’s doing a good job of being himself.

“Well, okay, my belief or my self-belief that I’m a superhuman is irrational, but I believe it, I believe it,” Irving exclaimed. “I don’t feel normal. I don’t feel like a normal human being. I don’t feel like there’s anything normal about me. So excuse me for not trying to do normal things sometimes. And you know why I don’t feel human? Because most of the time, I work harder than most of you.”

“…I’m telling you this because you shouldn’t feel normal either. I don’t think that if you do everything you can and you’ve worked for years or you’re just starting out, you should feel like a normal human being. … I don’t want you to see my life and think that I’m not giving it my all.”

After hearing what Irving had to say, Smith tipped his cap to the Dallas superstar. Smith agreed that if someone wants to be great, they have to be their own biggest supporter.

What to expect from Kyrie Irving and the Mavericks this season

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the 2024 NBA Finals at American Airlines Center.
Images by Jérôme Miron-Imagn

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Irving joined the Mavericks in 2022 after demanding a trade to end his controversial stint with the Brooklyn Nets. Although the Mavs missed the playoffs after his arrival, last season saw a big improvement in their fortunes, as they reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011.

Last season, Irving averaged 25.6 points, 5.2 assists and 5.0 rebounds as he and Luka Doncic led the Mavericks to a fifth-place finish in the Western Conference. They beat the Clippers, Thunder and Timberwolves to reach the NBA Finals, but were unable to defeat the Boston Celtics to win the NBA championship.

However, just after Dallas lost to Boston in the NBA Finals, Irving stressed how proud he was of the entire team and franchise. He expressed his belief that he and his team would compete at the highest level next season for a title and that it would not be the last time anyone would see them. With Irving believing in himself, the Mavericks have a real chance. Dallas opens the season at home on October 24 against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.

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