Kyrie Irving said that today's league is "not the same NBA I fell in love with as a kid." Irving pointed to social media and gambling as major changes. Irving, who turns 35 in March, also said he doesn't expect to play into his 40s.

"Basketball is an eternal flame," said Irving. "In terms of the NBA schedule and things of that nature, you have to really be in love with that, too. The weight lifting. The unseen hours. The media prep. Just going in and being ready to play at a high level. Also, you have social media and gambling right now, which is running rampant. It's not the same NBA I fell in love with as a kid."

Irving, who is starting his 16th season, said the league has become "less human" and "more robotic" since he arrived in 2011. Irving also said that when he entered the league, players did not have meetings about gambling.

Irving said he does not plan to follow LeBron James, his former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate, who starts his 24th season Tuesday and turns 42 on Dec. 30.

"Basketball is an eternal flame," said Irving. "But I don't see myself playing in the NBA at 42, 43. Shoutout to the head honcho over there still going. Even Steph (Curry). Klay (Thompson) and James (Harden) and KD (Kevin Durant). I looked at those guys as big brothers for a while, but now that I'm in this age of 34, 35, I love my manhood and growing as a man more than growing as a basketball player."

Irving appears fully healthy after missing 19 months with a torn ACL. He played in one of Dallas' preseason games in Macau.

Irving holds a $42.4 million player option for 2027-28 with the Dallas Mavericks.

"The next generation is looking at it," said Irving. "They are making money younger. Addiction is running rampant. I think I am fully aware of my position and my purpose, which is much bigger than playing in the NBA."