"I've f**k you mentality" - Kyrie Irving gets blunt on his NBA journey, declaring he doesn't 'duck any smoke or hate'

Eight-time NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving has developed the perfect mentality to face scrutiny and criticism for being one of the league's top stars. Irving, like every other superstar in the league, has had his fair share of naysayers.

Dealing with this type of negativity can affect a player's psyche, which can affect their game. As such, developing a way to block out all the unnecessary noise is also an essential skill.

Irving appears to have developed this particular aspect of his game, and he shared what helps him ignore the doubters on Saturday. He said on Twitch (via GrandMasterHoops):

"I don't feel like any person in this world can stop me from doing the things that I love to do or achieving the things that I put my heart and my mind to," Irving said. "I've been doubted so many times in my life and the reason why I continue is because I have a great support system around me and also I have a 'f**k you' mentality."

Irving continued by outlining some of the things that an individual needs to accomplish great things. Afterward, he also talked about the mentality that allows him to compete against the best basketball players in the world.

"I want to be the best of the best, I want to play against the best of the best," Irving continued. "That's why I'm grateful that I was able to go number one in the NBA and wear a target on my back. I don't want to duck any smoke, I don't want to duck any hate, I don't want to duck any love that's out there for me."

Kyrie Irving's mentality has helped him remain one of the top players in the NBA. Last season alone, he averaged 25.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game.

His mentality likely helps him be effective even when the game comes down to the wire. Because of this, he has earned recognition as one of the league's best clutch performers, earning him several votes for the 2024 Clutch Player of the Year award.

His contributions helped the Dallas Mavericks overcome their Western Conference rivals and make a trip to the NBA Finals. Ultimately, Irving and the Mavs were unable to overcome the stacked Boston Celtics squad.

However, with how Irving approaches the game, there is no doubt that he will be hungrier for another title this season.

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Kyrie Irving's mentality helped the Mavs reach the NBA Finals and could help them rebound in 2024

The Dallas Mavericks came so close to reaching the NBA Finals in 2022 but they fell to the eventual champions, the Golden State Warriors. This is why it might have been a surprise to some that the Mavs missed the playoffs entirely in 2023, despite acquiring Kyrie Irving via a mid-season trade.

After a season of adjusting, Irving and the rest of the Dallas Mavericks were able to sneak up on the rest of the Western Conference.

This coming season, the Mavs will have a target on their back. In fact, Jayson Tatum himself believes that the Boston Celtics and the Mavs will meet in the Finals again for a rematch.

The league, especially the Western Conference has its sights set on Kyrie Irving and the Dallas Mavericks. As such, Irving's mentality allows him to thrive in such situations will be a valuable asset to the team.