Kyrie Irving has switched to a plant-based diet, now feels ‘amazing’

A change of scenery isn’t the only adjustment Celtics guard Kyrie Irving has recently undergone, it seems.

Irving, who was traded to the Celtics in August, has made another major change to his daily regimen that will impact his play on the court. And unfortunately for opposing teams, it might make him an even more dynamic player than he already is.

The Celtics point guard spoke to the “NBA Countdown” crew after Wednesday’s exhibition game against the Hornets was in the books, and he revealed that he’s now switched to a plant-based diet. ESPN analyst Chauncey Billups commented that Irving looked a bit trimmer, and asked if he had lost any weight. Here’s what Irving had to say in response.

“This season I’ve been on more of a plant-based diet diet, getting away from all the animals and all that, man,” Irving said. “I had to get away from that. My energy is up and my body feels amazing. Just understanding what the diet is like for me and what’s beneficial for me for having the highest energy out here and being able to sustain it at a very high level.”

It’s scary to think how great of a player Irving can be with an increased energy level. He seems happy, focused and committed to the change, too, rather than viewing it as something that was forced upon him.

For now, Irving will enjoy being out of Cleveland, and can enjoy scoreboard watching during Friday’s Cavs-Magic game. If interested, check out the official preview/prediction for that game from Doc’s Sports Service here.

The food in Boston is pretty great. But Irving, for now, will be sticking to a strict diet, and the Celtics will likely benefit from that.