Kyrie Irving has interesting comments about Cavs in Celtics presser

Kyrie Irving had interesting comments about the Cleveland Cavaliers in his introductory press conference with the Boston Celtics.

Yesterday, as Kyrie Irving was introduced at a press conference as the newest member of the Boston Celtics, he gave a number of memorable quotes about the trade and his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Of the opportunity to join the Celtics, Irving praised the historical relevance of the Celtics franchise, a team that has employed many NBA legends: Hall of Famers like head coach Red Auerbach, Bill Russell and John Havlicek.

Then Irving proceeded to say that even though he hasn’t talked to LeBron James since the trade, the reason behind his trade request was to maximize his potential and to be with a team that he can grow with. Of James, he calls him “one of the greats” and he’s “eternally grateful” for the moments they shared as teammates.

"I’ve had the unique opportunity to play with one of the greats and it was awesome.”

Kyrie’s sprawling response when asked about LeBron: pic.twitter.com/iIHXnXrzCP
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) September 1, 2017

The words were classy and for some fans, that there wasn’t vitriol in his tone his statement about James or the Cavs, wounds from Irving’s trade request may have been soothed although not completely healed. Even though Irving mentions that he wanted to be in an environment conducive to him growing as a player and that he wanted to be on a team where he could grow with the team.

Beside James, Irving was playing in the shadow of one of the two greatest players to ever live, and the obvious result was that he was often overlooked both on and off-the-court. There were many who recognized Irving’s importance beside James but few who thought he could lead a team. Cleveland.com’s Joe Vardon points out that the media didn’t care to ask him what his opinion was on societal issues like the would James and that it bothered Irving, a young philosopher in his own right, greatly.

As far as the rest of the team, Irving was the second-youngest player on the roster on team stocked with players in their thirties, players brought to the team to mesh with James’ personality.

Irving, who had even played in James’ shadow when the latter took his talents to South Beach, knew that there was no place for him to truly grow into his own in Cleveland. Furthermore, if he wanted to leave the team and try to lead a team there was no better time than the present.

When the 2017-2018 regular season kicks off, the Cavs will face off against the Celtics for their season opener.

There will be no Isaiah Thomas and so it will likely be former MVP Derrick Rose facing off against Irving at point guard. Nonetheless, Irving’s return to The Q is sure to be an event that gets the entire crowd on its feet, whether to jeer or cheer the man who used to be the heir to James’ throne.