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3 reasons why Kyrie Irving’s departure has benefited the Boston Celtics

By Andrew Hughes

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 01: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics wipes his face next to the Celtics coach Brad Stevens during the second quarter at TD Garden on April 01, 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 01: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics wipes his face next to the Celtics coach Brad Stevens during the second quarter at TD Garden on April 01, 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Tatum and Brown have become stars

Don’t for a second think that if Irving was still on the C’s that Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown would have ascended to the levels they have reached during the 2019-20 NBA season. When he was around, Tatum’s stock reportedly “took a hit” according to Ben Standig of NBC Sports Washington: 

"Tatum’s stock took a hit this season,’ an Eastern Conference scout said. Others made similar claims during the season as the playmaking forward appeared lost at times playing with Irving. Regardless, Tatum is a talented 21-year-old who went head-to-head against LeBron James in the 2018 Eastern Conference Final."

This season is a whole different ball-game for Tatum. He became a first-time All-Star and he currently averages over 23 points per game after averaging 30 points per game in the month of February.

Jaylen Brown has also risen to over 20 points per game and–according to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated–his relationship with Irving wasn’t good either:

"“You can write a whole book on what went wrong because the season was basically a disaster from start to finish,” Mannix said. “His (Irving’s) relationship with the young players on the roster was awful. Jaylen Brown, he was probably the worst with.”"

The rise of the 2016 and 2017 #3 picks and the departure of Irving is no coincidence. With Irving gone, the future of the Boston Celtics franchise has risen to the forefront of a season in which they rank in the top ten on both offense and defense.

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