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Can Kyrie Irving Lead the Boston Celtics to Banner 18?

By Travis Babcock

CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 28: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics warms up prior to their preseason game against the Charlotte Hornets at Dean Smith Center on September 28, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Hornets won 104-97. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 28: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics warms up prior to their preseason game against the Charlotte Hornets at Dean Smith Center on September 28, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Hornets won 104-97. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /
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For the Boston Celtics players, the NBA off season is all about improvement. Here we take a look at three ways that five-time All-Star guard Kyrie Irving can improve heading into the season.

If it wasn’t for LeBron James’ departure to Los Angeles, Boston Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving would be taking home the crown as the most talked about player of the offseason. He made national headlines after declining to extend his current contract with the Celtics, a move that has since that put him under a microscope.

Trade talks, Jimmy Butler drama, and free agency destinations outside of the greater Massachusetts area saturated NBA news for the past few months–before Irving declared his intention to re-sign with the Boston Celtics at a fan event at the TD Garden Thursday.

Related Story. Celtics Unlock Title Window With Kyrie Irving Commitment. light

When Kyrie came to Boston last season in what would be the blockbuster move of the Summer, there was a strong belief that the enigmatic 26-year-old would take the reins as the starting guard of the future for the franchise. Irving’s excitement for the move was immediately apparent.

His discontent with the Cavs had boiled over to the point of asking for a trade from the organization. With Boston, he noted a great opportunity to grow as an individual and become the leader of a franchise on the cusp of title contention.

After Gordon Hayward went down, the pressure to fulfill these aspirations quickly mounted. Irving responded well but went down with an injury himself right before the playoffs.

Last season, Irving was robbed of his opportunity to lead a young and hungry Celtics team to battle. This season, the team enters the regular season fully healthy, and ready for redemption. Kyrie Irving has all but taken his name off the free agency list, putting the rumors to bed for now.

Most importantly, he has confidence and trust in the Celtics organization and is happy to be in Boston. With his return, the team is focused on competing for a title this season. The road to glory starts with the guy at the helm of it all- Kyrie Irving.

What does Kyrie need to improve upon individually in order to maximize his team’s success?

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