Kyrie Irving made some interesting comments today regarding his looming free agency decision. What does it all mean, and what should the Boston Celtics do going forward?
Kyrie Irving had some comments today regarding his future with the Boston Celtics, and boy, were they a bit different from his assertion at the beginning of the season that he’d re-sign with Boston in July.
Kyrie Irving said at the end of the day he’s going to do what’s best for his career. “Ask me July 1,” he said about whether his mindset has changed.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) February 1, 2019
And, as expected, Celtics Twitter and the NBA as a whole went bananas. Concern is valid given the context surrounding this situation: Anthony Davis’ camp reported doubt that Kyrie would re-sign, Kyrie’s recent phone call with LeBron James is still fresh in everyone’s minds, and the New York Knicks just freed up two max contract slots with their trade of Kristaps Porzingis.
Oh, and the Celtics play the Knicks tonight.
Make no mistake, Kyrie Irving’s timing couldn’t be worse to make such a statement. But before anyone makes a judgement on the quotes picked out from this interview, I urge you to watch the whole thing.
No, really. Go watch it, and come back when you’re done.
Ready? Now let’s dissect these comments.
If it wasn’t obvious from his tone, Kyrie outright expresses his discontent for the media circus involved in these player transaction rumors.
Kyrie Irving said there’s been some “unwarranted commentary about his future.” He called the industry “F’d up.”
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) February 1, 2019
And, if you watch the entire interview, most of his comments revolve around this premise. That “I don’t owe anybody sh*t” line? It wasn’t even about the Boston Celtics.
“I’ve spent the last 8 years trying to do what everybody else wanted me to do in terms of making my decisions and trying to validate thru the media, thru other personnel, managers and I don’t owe anybody sh*t.” —@KyrieIrving this AM about his future FA decision
— Cassidy Hubbarth (@CassidyHubbarth) February 1, 2019
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s take a look at the actual comments Kyrie made concerning his free agency decision. He says that he wants to do what’s best for him and his family. That’s fair. That surely has to have been his mindset this whole time.
So why did he promise to re-sign in Boston before?
"“I think it was just the excitement – feeling emotionally invested. Coming off of an injury last season, trying to prove something, trying to be very much of a team-oriented player."
While this may be no consolation to a heartbroken Celtics fan, these comments are candid and honest. And it’s not like Kyrie has just changed his mind all of a sudden. It’s been a long season, and Boston hasn’t seen all sunshine throughout their first 51 games.
"“Obviously things this season haven’t gone as I planned, and that’s part of being on a team where you’re still trying to figure things out."
The Boston Celtics are 5th in the East. By most accounts, the team hasn’t lived up to its expectations this year. You can’t expect a superstar like Kyrie Irving to be satisfied with that. Kyrie hasn’t lost his love for Boston, he just wants to be in the best situation possible.
And guess what?
Kyrie Irving said he still has confidence in the Celtics and what they promise for the future. “Obviously Boston’s still at the head of that race.”
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) February 1, 2019
With today’s comments, Kyrie is issuing a challenge to the Celtics. He wants to make the best decision for him and his family? Then Boston better make sure they’re the best decision. Tonight is a fair opportunity, given that they have the chance to pass the Indiana Pacers for 4th in the East with a victory over the Knicks.
Do you think Kyrie would leave if the Celtics win the East? If they win a championship? Boston has a lot to offer Irving, and he knows it – but the Celtics still have to deliver.
That may involve getting Anthony Davis this offseason, a move that the Boston Celtics should be able to make if he’s available this summer. Yeah, a Kevin Durant-Kyrie Irving pairing in New York would be special, but Boston already has a talented roster top to bottom, and if they play their cards right this summer, they can sow the seeds of a dynasty.
Kyrie Irving likely doesn’t have a plan in mind yet of what he wants to do this summer – though I’m sure he has ideas. His comments today were a reminder to Boston that while he’s dedicated to being a part of this team, the team better show that it’s dedicated to winning.
Luckily, they have until July 1st to prove that. Until then, ignore the noise.