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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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Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving watches action from the bench.
Kyrie Irving has had trouble staying healthy in his first seven seasons in the NBA. The Boston Celtics hope that changes after last season’s surgery.  (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2)  Staying Healthy

Technically speaking, the reasoning behind Kyrie being sidelined for the duration of the playoffs last season was due to a previous injury, not a new one.

Irving sustained a fractured left kneecap that sidelined him for the entire 2015 NBA Finals. This injury has lingered with Kyrie ever since. After undergoing a surgery to remove the tension wire in his knee, Irving was ultimately ruled out for the rest of the season after another procedure that extracted two screws from his patella.

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While the knee ailment was tough on Kyrie, this isn’t the first time he has dealt with major injuries. In fact, he has only appeared in more than 60 games in just 3 of his 7 years as a pro. Irving suffered a ligament injury in his big toe only 8 games into his lone year in college with the Duke Bluedevils. Throw in 2 facial fractures, a left shoulder sprain, a broken finger, a left knee contusion, and a right ankle sprain and the guy starts to look like an injury waiting to happen.

Now, for the first time in three years, Kyrie is completely pain-free and fully healthy.

This will be a game changer for Kyrie moving forward. Irving will use his newfound mobility to make cleaner cuts and crossover moves at a more explosive pace. Attacking the basket will come easier now, allowing for more playmaking and scoring potential.

For now, Irving is just excited to be pain-free again. He realizes what this fortune of good health will do for him moving forward, and fully intends to take complete advantage of it.

"“Now when I go to the rim I’m able to maintain my strength and athleticism,” Irving told ESPN. “So when I get under there I have all sorts of options. No limitations. I can pick my spots. It’s a lot better.”"

It will be interesting to see just how much better Irving will be as the season progresses. Barring any unexpected setbacks, he will surely be a force to reckon with.

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