Kyrie Irving has been unusually candid during the 2024 NBA Finals about his tumultuous time with the Boston Celtics.
Ahead of the Dallas Mavericks’ Game 5 against the Celtics, who are leading the series 3-1, Irving shared insights into why his stint in Boston was so challenging.
Reflecting on his 2017 trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Celtics, Irving admitted that Boston was not his preferred destination.
“When I look back on it, getting traded here, (Boston) wasn’t one of my options,” he said.
Irving acknowledged that he approached the situation with an open mind but ultimately lacked an appreciation for the Celtics’ storied history and high expectations.
“I think that was the wrong approach. Just being young,” Irving remarked, suggesting that he should have sought advice from former Celtics players to better understand the team’s culture. In Boston, where championship aspirations are a constant, Irving found it difficult to align his personal ambitions with the collective ethos of the franchise.
“You have to show your respect here,” Irving noted. “I struggled with figuring out how to be a great player, win championships, and selflessly join the Celtics’ organization or the cult that they have here.”
Although he used the word “cult” to describe the Celtics and their fanbase, he did not mean it negatively. Instead, he pointed out the intense loyalty and high expectations that define the team.
Irving’s tenure with the Celtics is marked by several contentious moments, including his unfulfilled promise to re-sign with the team in October 2018, his critical comments about the younger players, and his lackluster performance in the 2019 playoffs. These actions strained his relationship with Celtics fans and left a lasting impression.
Now, Irving seems to have gained perspective on why he was not embraced in Boston.
“That’s what they expect you to do as a player: They expect you to seamlessly buy into the Celtics pride, buy into everything Celtics,” he explained. “And if you don’t, then you’ll be outed. I’m one of the people that’s on the outs. I’m perfectly fine with that, you know what I mean? I did it to myself.”
While his time in Boston was fraught with challenges, Irving’s reflections suggest a level of personal growth and a better understanding of the unique pressures that come with being a Celtic. As he prepares for a crucial game with the Mavericks, Irving’s past in Boston continues to be a topic of significant interest and reflection.
