Kyle Singler’s Cryptic Instagram Post Draws Concern

Editor’s note: This article has been updated to note that Kyle Singler has continued to post disturbing videos on Instagram. Singler’s former NBA and NCAA colleagues have continued to voice concerns over his welfare. Singler’s fifth video consisted of a rambling speech that abruptly cut off in the middle. Singler appears to live alone in a home and is believed to be in his home state of Oregon. 

Kyle Singler’s cryptic Instagram post has drawn concern from the NBA, NBAPA, and NBA fans. Singler, 36, recently posted a short video of himself shirtless and speaking slowly. Singler’s words, including the fear for his life, were a cause of concern and subsequently drew an outpouring of concern — and support — from the basketball world.

Singler hasn’t been in the NBA news cycle in a long time, but Singler’s recent post put him back in the spotlight. The 36-year-old appears mentally and physically struggling after a professional basketball career from 2011 to 2019 following a successful college basketball career at Duke from 2007 to 2011. Read on for further details surrounding Singler’s apparent struggles.

Kyle Singler’s Instagram Post 

It’s unclear when Kyle Singler recorded the short video for Instagram, but Singler posted it on the social media app on Tuesday morning. The video cut off abruptly after 90 seconds and has been shared more than 12,000 times in the 12 hours since it was posted. 

According to ESPN, Singler said, “I have been mistreated and abused, neglected, made into a mental example … And I fear for my life every day. And people in my community make me look out as if I’m going to be someone that’s going to be a problem and make things difficult for people when I’m only trying to be helpful. “I feel like I have a certain way about myself and strength and purpose that does not get valued or get treated properly.” 

Several NBA players responded to Singler’s video. Miami Heat Power Forward Kevin Love wrote, “I love you Kyle (Singler). Hit me whenever. Please.” Former Boston Celtics star Isaiah Thomas said, “Here for you bro! Always and forever.” Philadelphia 76ers Center Andre Drummond added, “You aren’t alone brother! I’m here for you.” In addition, many Duke men’s basketball players responded and hoped to get Singler’s attention.

Singler followed up with a second video on Tuesday afternoon. The Duke men’s basketball alum repeated grievances from his first video and appeared more stable. The National Basketball Association Players Association (NBAPA) contacted Singler’s family after the two videos were posted on Instagram. Sarah Houseknecht, a spokeswoman for the NBPA, said in an e-mail to The Associated Press on Wednesday morning, “We are in contact with Kyle’s family … As with all current and former members of the NBPA, we offer any and all support to players, whether through their biggest successes or times of challenge.” 

Kyle Singler’s Career

Kyle Singler recently made the NBA’s top stories but for the wrong reasons. Singler appears to be struggling and should consider professional help to alleviate his mental and potential physical health issues. But let’s take a stroll down memory lane, look back at Singler’s career in college and professional basketball as a Small Forward, and remember the great things he has done in the sport.

The Detroit Pistons selected Singler with the 33rd overall pick in the second round of the 2011 NBA Draft out of Duke. He began his pro basketball career overseas with Lucentum Alicante in 2011 and Real Madrid from 2011 to 2012 before returning to the Pistons, with whom he played from 2012 to 2015, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2013. He played four partial seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2015 to 2018.

Kyle Singler signed a letter of intent to play college basketball at Duke in October 2006. Fast forward to 2010 when he became an NCAA Champion and the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player as part of the Duke Blue Devils. He previously led South Medford to its first-ever state basketball championship and won 58-54 over the defending champion Lake Oswego and national standout Kevin Love.

Kyle Singler’s Career Highlights

Kyle Singler’s long list of career highlights spanned from high school to the pros. Singler helped lead South Medford to its first state basketball championship and defeated Kevin Love and Lake Oswego 58-54 before playing college basketball at Duke for four years. Singler’s professional basketball career started in off-beat fashion but eventually played pro basketball for the Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder before returning to play overseas from 2018 to 2019 and retiring in 2019 due to personal reasons.

He scored a career-high 22 points in the Detroit Pistons’ 96-89 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on November 22, 2013. He had eight points, four rebounds, three assists, and three steals during Russell Westbrook’s record-breaking 50-point triple-double game, an Oklahoma City Thunder win over the Denver Nuggets 106-105, on April 9, 2017. Westbrook became the NBA’s all-time leader in single-season triple-doubles that night.