Boston Celtics point guard, Kyrie Irving, threw shade at his former Cleveland Cavaliers coach, Tyronn Lue as he continues to praise new mentor Brad Stevens, whom he called an intellectual mind. During his appearance on Holding Court where he spoke with Hall of Fame coach, Geno Auriemma, of the University of Connecticut's women's basketball team. Irving said he’s "unbelievably craving" a tactical partner like Stevens in his career.
On media day, Irving told reporters that he “wouldn't want to be with another coach”, putting his previous working relationship with Lue in question.
According to NBC Sports Boston, Irving described Stevens as a high-character and growth-oriented coach who always wants the best for his team. “That's who he is. He's a smart individual that knows basketball,” said Irving.
So far, the relationship between Irving and Stevens is going smoothly, with the Celtics carrying a 6-2 record and riding on a six-game winning streak. They will next face the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Orlando Magic. In the offseason, the Cavaliers traded Irving to the Celtics for three players and two draft picks.
Hayward promises to bounce back next season
Meanwhile, Celtics forward Gordon Hayward promised to bounce back next season after his first year with the team was marred by a gruesome season-ending ankle injury.
In an interview with Matt Lauer on the Today show, Hayward discussed the injury that he suffered five minutes into his regular-season debut with the Celtics. Hayward said he’s facing a long and difficult process but he vowed to come back better than ever.
On Wednesday, Stevens told reporters that Hayward is now wearing a walking boot after weeks on a hard cast.
While the Celtics haven’t made an official announcement on Hayward’s status, the forward is very unlikely to play this season, according to his agent, Mark Bartelstein. A ninth overall pick by Utah in 2010, the 27-year-old Hayward played seven seasons with the Jazz before he signed a four-year, $128-million deal with the Celtics as a free agent in the offseason.
Hayward thanks Paul George for guidance
According to Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald, Hayward is grateful for the support and guidance of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George, who himself had suffered a gruesome leg injury during a Team USA scrimmage in 2014. Hayward said George’s advice is valuable and he will begin the rehabilitation stage of his healing process. George, for his part, said he just wants to share with Hayward what he went through during his rehabilitation and how he dealt with everyday struggles while recovering.
