Former teammate reveals Kyrie Irving’s strict locker room rules ahead of NBA games

Dzanan Musa describes Kyrie Irving’s pre-practice ritual

During an appearance on the ‘6.75range’ podcast, Dzanan Musa outlined a ritual that became part of Kyrie Irving’s regular routine.

Musa said Irving would burn sage before practices as part of a cleansing process and that teammates had to wait before entering the locker room.

“Kyrie is a guy who lives in his own movie. You can be there, but he’s still doing his own thing, regardless of the fact that you’re teammates and supposed to play together.”

“For example, before every practice, he would burn sage. We weren’t allowed to enter the locker room until he drove away the evil spirits. I didn’t agree with it, of course, but Kyrie is Kyrie. What was I supposed to say? Tell him to leave?”

The comments provide a glimpse into daily life inside the Nets organization during a stretch when the franchise was pursuing championship expectations.

Kevin Durant previously supported Irving’s methods

Although Musa said he personally disagreed with the ritual, Irving’s approach to preparation had been visible before.

In 2020, he burned sage at TD Garden during his return to Boston, saying it was intended to remove negative energy.

Irving’s tenure in Brooklyn produced strong individual numbers but also included off-court challenges, including an extended absence during the COVID-19 vaccine mandate period.

Musa later returned to Europe and reestablished himself, but his recollection highlights the internal dynamics of a team that ultimately fell short of its goals.