If there were any questions on Brooklyn Nets star point guard Kyrie Irving’s conversion to Islam left unanswered on April 9, he certainly answered them now— following a 109-104 win against the Boston Celtics.
Irving admitted he’s taking part in Ramadan — a Muslim-focused holy month of introspection, enlightenment and sun-up-to-sundown fasting from crescent moon (April 12) to crescent moon (May 12) — and noted “it’s been an adjustment.”
“It’s just being committed to my service to God, Allah,” the Nets All-Star told reporters. “And then continuing on with whatever I’m guided with. I’m just happy to be part of my community and doing the right things. So, fasting is definitely is definitely part of it — if you know anything about the Muslim community. But yeah, just really blessed and grateful to be taking part of this.”
Irving didn’t suit up against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday, April 13 — citing “personal reasons” for his absence from the Nets. It came one day after the beginning of Ramadan in the U.S., which only further aligns with Irving’s religious obligations.
For whatever reasons, Irving has been critically panned in media circles this season after having suited up for just 20 games through Friday night. Against the Celtics, he shot just 4-for-19 with 15 points, 11 assists, nine rebounds and four steals in the victory.
But he’s posting near career-high marks across his box scores, and Brooklyn is 40-20 with a 1/2-game lead on the Philadelphia 76ers for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference and 12 games to go. And according to heavy.com’s Frederick Ennette, Irving’s absences seem to be consistently focused and revolved around faith, family and civic awareness.
Kyrie Irving is not the first NBA player to speak on personal doctrine and Muslim faith, and the Nets star certainly won’t be the last.
Source: Clutch Points
