Musa details unusual pre-practice routine
Former Brooklyn Nets guard Dzanan Musa has shed light on an unconventional locker-room ritual led by Kyrie Irving during their time together, describing how the star guard would burn sage before practices and ask teammates to remain outside until he finished.
Speaking on the 6.75range podcast, Musa recalled that Irving’s pre-practice routine often delayed teammates’ entry into the locker room, as the All-Star prioritized spiritual cleansing before team activities.
Dzanan Musa: Kyrie operates in his own world — you can be around him, but he’s still following his own path.
Ritual tied to Irving’s beliefs and identity
Musa emphasized that while the practice surprised some teammates, he did not view it negatively. Instead, he described it as a reflection of Irving’s personality and leadership presence within the group.
Burning sage, commonly referred to as smudging, is rooted in Native spiritual traditions — a connection Irving has publicly embraced due to his heritage through his late mother, Elizabeth Ann Larson, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.
Irving formally reconnected with those roots in 2018 when tribal leaders welcomed him into the community.
Dzanan Musa says Kyrie Irving wouldn’t let teammates into the locker room until he finished his rituals:
“Kyrie is a guy who lives in his own movie… For example, before every practice, he would burn sage. We weren’t allowed to enter the locker room until he drove away the evil… pic.twitter.com/Wl4QOZKMZl
— NBA Base (@TheNBABase) February 18, 2026
Musa’s Brooklyn stint and career path
Irving arrived in Brooklyn in 2019, one year after Musa was selected 29th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft. Musa struggled to establish a consistent role, averaging 4.3 points across two seasons before being traded to Detroit and later waived.
Since returning to Europe, Musa has rebuilt his career, capturing a EuroLeague title with Real Madrid and currently playing for Dubai Basketball.
Dzanan Musa reveals Kyrie Irving wouldn’t let teammates into the locker room until he finished his rituals:
“Before every practice, he would burn sage. We weren’t allowed to enter the locker room until he drove away the evil spirits.”
(h/t @TheNBABase) pic.twitter.com/9x7hQpJ6OO
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) February 18, 2026
Kyrie’s Nets tenure remembered for complexity
Irving’s time in Brooklyn extended beyond on-court production, often drawing attention for off-court storylines and leadership dynamics. Musa’s recollection adds another perspective to that era, illustrating how personal beliefs occasionally shaped shared team spaces.
For some teammates, the ritual symbolized cultural expression. For others, it highlighted Irving’s distinct approach within a traditional locker-room environment.
