Irving credits new plant-based diet for energy, 'intellect'

Pro athletes going vegetarian is not a new phenomenon, although it's hardly widespread. Kyrie Irving is the latest big name to adapt a plant-based diet, and he says he feels great - physically and mentally.

"I feel absolutely amazing," Irving said, according to ESPN's Chris Forsberg. "My energy, my sleeping patterns, just my intellect and everything that I'm awake to now, I'm very much aware. My awareness is a lot better now that I'm not eating all the GMOs and pesticides and all that they put in our food."

The Celtics point guard credits watching the Netflix documentary, "What the Health," for changing the way he views meat consumption.

Irving looks trimmer this season, and the results have been strong. While he's not hitting career highs offensively, his defense has improved immensely, and he's been the on-court catalyst for Boston's league-best 13-2 record.