Former Duke basketball standout Kyle Singler recently shared alarming videos on Instagram, voicing his struggles with fear and mental well-being, prompting an outpouring of support from the NBA and basketball communities. Singler, 36, posted a video Tuesday morning in which he expressed that he fears for his life “every day,” citing mistreatment, abuse, and feelings of being misunderstood within his community. “Every day, s–t is being thrown my way,” he stated. “I have been mistreated and abused, neglected… I fear for my life every day. I’m only trying to be helpful,” he said, noting that his strengths are undervalued.
In a second video later that day, Singler reiterated these sentiments. NBA players and former teammates quickly responded, with Miami Heat’s Kevin Love, a high school rival of Singler’s, reaching out directly and showing public support on social media. “I love you, Kyle,” Love commented, encouraging him to reach out. Love later posted on X (formerly Twitter), urging the Duke and NBA communities to “show up for one of our own.” Love, a known mental health advocate, expressed deep gratitude, stating, “I am forever indebted and love him.”
Others in the basketball world echoed Love’s support, including former Celtics star Isaiah Thomas, who commented, “Here for you bro! Always and forever,” and Sixers center Andre Drummond, who added, “You aren’t alone brother! I’m here for you.”
Singler became a celebrated figure at Duke, where he led the Blue Devils to a national title in 2010 and earned NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player honors. After a college career marked by leadership, he entered the NBA in 2012, playing with the Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder before retiring in 2019 after a European stint.