It’s no secret the Celtics have not seen eye to eye this season. The most disturbing was the loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 9.
Post All Star Weekend, the Celtics are 0-3. Early October, Kyrie declared he will be signing an extension with the Celtics. However, his most recently response was to resigning has been, “ask me July 1” and that he “doesn’t owe anyone shit.”
With the curiosity of free agency between him and Terry Rozier, the media has scrutinized the Celtics. Irving has been critical of the media, claiming that the scuttlebutt is “5th grade and elementary.” He adds, “It’s my decision at the end of the day, who cares?” Ultimately, Irving claims that the media tears more locker rooms apart than we think. His most recent declaration to the media is that he doesn’t care for fame. “I didn’t really come into this game to be cameras in my face, be famous, be a celebrity, whatever embodies that. It’s a little hard for me. I wanted those things when I was younger, but now … I just want to play basketball at a very high level.”
After loss to Houston Rockets, Kyrie Irving was rather quiet and tight lipped. His answers to all questions, “We just have to play better.” At TD Garden, Irving was recently asked by reporter his confidence level in the team and refused to answer, shrugging off the question as futile. As of recently, he seems less encouraging and disconnected from his teammates. After being told Marcus Morris doesn’t feel playing hasn’t been fun, Irving passingly said, “that’s his opinion.” Many fans have noticed the higher energy defensively and offensively on the court in Irving’s absence. This may be due to the Trade Date, where most teams place bids for New Orleans power forward and center, Anthony Davis.
Prediction: The Celtics may have participated in the bid for Anthony Davis for trades, where Irving may be been a stipulation or Irving was no longer the official leader of the Celtics. Additionally, a shift in the relationship with coach, Brad Stevens.
AD and Kyrie together may be the key to winning a championship, but will egos get in the way.