Hardwood Houdini
Fansided

Boston Celtics: Kemba addresses the Kyrie comparison

By Justin Trombino

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 13: Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics talks with head coach Brad Stevens during the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden on October 13, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 13: Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics talks with head coach Brad Stevens during the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden on October 13, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Kemba Walker has addressed the Kyrie Irving comparison right before the start his Boston Celtics campaign.

Nobody likes to be compared to another person. Not in sports, work, or just in general everyday life.   Unfortunately for Kemba Walker and the Boston Celtics, he’ll be hearing Kyrie Irving comparisons for a long time.

When Irving first arrived in Boston as a member of the Celtics, the entire fan base was full of championship hope once again as Boston landed one of the top point-guards in the NBA. Irving even told the season ticket holders that he had planned to resign with the Boston Celtics. It didn’t take long for Irving to earn the trust of the fans. But once Boston’s loyal noticed disconnect from Irving… that was it.

One thing about the nation of Boston sports is that the fans will give anyone a chance, but once you cross them… that’s it. They’re a very loyal fan base and they expect the same loyalty from their players to the city.

The Boston Celtics were a team that has made consecutive playoff runs commanded by their young rising stars. The C’s also had a handful of draft picks in the 2019 NBA Draft, and is led by a cerebral coach in Brad Stevens.

We all knew that Kemba Walker was looking for a max contract, but we all assumed he was locked in with the Charlotte Hornets. When the news hit the rest of the NBA that Irving had planned on not resigning with Boston, part of free agency at that point changed throughout the league; especially for the Celtics.

At this point, no matter who the next point-guard would be for the Boston Celtics, we all knew he would be compared to Irving. I think getting a veteran leader to man their point-guard position and run the offense was important to the Celtics, and Kemba Walker can provide that. When asked about comparing himself in Boston to Kyrie Irving, Walker responded:

"“I don’t think about it. That’s not something that I really care about. Kyrie, he’s a hell of a player. He’s one of the best in the world. We are pretty similar in playing style and stuff like that. That’s not something I think about. Of course, I see everybody… it just is what it is. It’s just obvious. It’s going to come up.” Via Nick Friar, WEEI"

In a similar scenario, former Celtic Al Horford said that if he knew about Kemba Walker coming to the Boston Celtics, maybe he would have stayed.

"“I don’t want to get caught up in the past. But, yeah, that would have been totally different.” Via, NESN Staff"

Comparisons become even easier to make seeing as both Kemba and Kyrie entered the league in 2011. Irving was selected first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Walker was selected ninth overall by the Charlotte Hornets.

The main difference is that Kemba truly wants to be in Boston. He has a unique chance to earn the love and admiration of Celtic-nation and embrace everything the “City of Champions” has to offer in a way Irving did not.

Next. Smart looking to be a ‘stretch-six’. dark

The future is bright for both the Boston Celtics and Kemba Walker, regardless of what Kyrie Irving comparisons you choose to make.

Home/Celtics News