Kyrie Irving has stirred up Boston Celtics fans once again.
On Sunday, he advised players to “do your homework” before joining the Celtics. He shared this advice when asked about his experiences with the team.
“The community has integrated into the Celtics’ team,” said Irving. “That’s probably the best way I could say it. The community is what makes the Celtics great here, the Boston pandemonium. That’s what makes this space so loud and so special, and they take pride in it. So if any player is coming here, getting drafted here, thinking about coming here for free agency or getting traded here, I just think do your homework and make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. That’s something I could offer.”
“If any player is coming here… Do your homework, and make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.”
Kyrie Irving talks about what it’s like playing for Boston…
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics)
Irving’s Intentions:
Irving’s words weren’t meant to criticize the team or its fans. Instead, he wanted to prepare new players for a city that lives and breathes basketball . Wearing a Celtics jersey means facing constant scrutiny from both fans and media.
He emphasized that playing in Boston demands maximum effort every game. The fanbase expects nothing less than championships; anything short of that is seen as failure.
“So you have to show your respect here,” Irving said. “I think that’s what I struggled with initially was figuring out how I’m going to be a great player here while winning championships and also leading a team and selflessly joining the Celtics’ organization or the cult that they have here.”
Fans might feel mixed emotions about these comments.
Celtics supporters will likely express their frustrations on Monday when they see him again. Yet, his remarks were more supportive than critical; they’ve just been misunderstood.
Sadly for Irving, this misinterpretation isn’t new during his time in Boston.
What do you think? Are Kyrie’s comments fair?
