Sacramento Kings’ center Domantas Sabonis has taken a proactive step to safeguard his mental well-being during the 2023-24 NBA season by eliminating social media from his life. Speaking on the “Woj Pod” with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Sabonis revealed that he made the decision to delete all his social media accounts at the beginning of the season.
He expressed that this choice has been immensely beneficial for him, allowing him to focus solely on his game without the distractions or criticisms that often accompany social media.
Sabonis emphasized the importance of prioritizing the opinions of his coaches, family, and teammates over those of strangers on social media platforms. By eliminating social media, he has created a space where only the voices that truly matter to him hold sway. This has helped him maintain a clear mind and concentrate on his performance on the court without being influenced by external noise.
The decision to disconnect from social media has provided Sabonis with more free time and mental clarity. He has been able to dedicate himself to watching film, learning, and improving his game independently, without the need for validation or criticism from online sources. This self-reliance has contributed to his impressive performance throughout the season.
Sabonis acknowledges the negative impact that social media can have on athletes, with fans often expressing harsh and uninhibited opinions online. By removing himself from this environment, he has shielded himself from such negativity and allowed himself to thrive without the pressure of external judgment.
Despite the potential benefits of social media, Sabonis has found that deleting it entirely has been the most effective solution for him. His exceptional statistics and consistent performance on the court reflect the success of this decision, highlighting the importance of prioritizing mental well-being in a highly scrutinized profession like professional basketball.
