Kyrie Irving, alongside Gordon Hayward, was finally introduced as a Boston Celtics player on Monday. The image of the two All-Stars holding the Boston jersey surely filled Celtics' fans with hope. However, only one of them was the true center of attention at the introductory press conference, and that was Irving.
Hayward's story was pretty simple. He had become an unrestricted free agent, and after seven years in the NBA with the Utah Jazz, he made the difficult decision to step outside his comfort zone and embark on a championship-caliber adventure alongside his former college coach Brad Stevens and with the league's most celebrated franchise.
On the other hand, the press conference enabled the NBA world to finally hear from Irving's own mouth his version of his story in Cleveland. Irving had shocked everybody when he asked for a trade in order to move on from the league's best player, LeBron James.
Irving had won an NBA title with the Cavaliers and was willing to leave behind a unique opportunity to continue making NBA history by making it to the Finals year after year. The ever-lasting LeBron-soap opera concerning his future had taken a toll on Kyrie, and he was ready to break those ties. Irving will now be able to start a new page in his career with the Boston Celtics and finally be in control of his own destiny.
Irving's potential with the Celtics
"I can't wait to get on the floor and maximize my potential," Irving said. Kyrie will finally be able to do so as the leader and franchise player of the Boston Celtics. He repeatedly used similar words throughout the press conference. Irving's apparent focus is on making the best use of his talents and becoming the best basketball player that he can be.
How much was LeBron forcing him to pull the handbrake in Cleveland? Irving also referenced Boston's exceptional coaching staff and roster and noted that this opportunity had come at the right time for him.
Irving remembers LeBron
Everyone awaited Irving's words on his relationship with LeBron and how their tumultuous story unfolded in the last months.
Irving stated that he had not spoken with James and declined to directly name LeBron as a reason why he decided to ask for a trade. Irving went on to reminisce about the three great years he and LeBron had shared. After all, they had reached three consecutive NBA finals and won one championship together with the Cavaliers. Irving clearly acknowledged the fact that he was able to learn a lot from James."I'd be sitting up here and telling you guys a lie if I didn't tell you I learned so much from that guy," he added.
Irving was able to recognize LeBron's greatness and the effort it takes to be great. In addition, he commented that he was choosing to remember the good times he had spent alongside LeBron.
"You're able to put peace with that journey and start anew," Irving said. But his words only implied that he had experienced negative moments with him as well. LeBron is in Irving's past now. But Irving will try to prove himself and meet LeBron in the next Eastern Conference Finals.
