Kyrie Irving recently opened up about the emotional scars of his childhood, and how they became the fuel for his relentless rise to NBA stardom. Speaking on a livestream with internet personality Kai Cenat, the Dallas Mavericks guard shared how being bullied as a kid shaped his mindset and ignited his drive to succeed.
Irving described himself as a “soft-hearted kid” growing up, someone who stood out not just for his intelligence but also for his sensitivity.
“I’ve always been handsome, I’m not shy about that,” he joked. “But being smart, being in the trenches, sometimes that could be seen as a threat to kids that are ignorant… and that’s fine too. But it’s okay”.
His words painted a picture of a young boy navigating complex social dynamics, where being different, thoughtful, or gifted could make you a target. But instead of letting the bullying define him, Irving used it as motivation.
The experience of being bullied didn’t break Kyrie, it built him. He channeled the frustration and isolation into his craft, developing a style of play that’s as fearless as it is creative. From his dazzling handles to his clutch performances, Irving’s game reflects a player who’s learned to thrive under pressure.
He also spoke about how those early experiences taught him to embrace his individuality.
“Every room that I went in when I was younger, I wasn’t myself. And that hurt me,” he said. “Now I want people to see my scars… I want them to know my heart”.
Kyrie Irving told Kai Cenat that he got bullied when he was younger and that’s what motivated him to become a basketball player 😳
“But being smart in the trenches some times people see you as a threat..” pic.twitter.com/DwCzmAeHvZ
— korza ✗ (@korzawyd) August 1, 2025
Despite his fame and fortune, Irving remains deeply connected to his past. He’s used his platform to speak out on issues of identity, mental health, and personal growth, often challenging the norms of what an athlete should be.
