Boston Celtics CEO Believes Kyrie Irving’s Departure is The Reason for Their Downfall
Follow Us
Boston Celtics are currently in a position that makes it look like they might not make it to the postseason this year. With a disappointing 15-17 record, they are tied with Miami Heat for the ninth position.
On top of that, they are on a three-game losing streak, having recently lost to the Atlanta Hawks. But it looks like the Celtics’ CEO thinks it is Kyrie Irving leaving that has resulted in their downward spiral.
The fall of the Boston Celtics?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Boston Celtics acquired Kyrie Irving in 2017 from the Cleveland Cavaliers. Their hope and expectation from him were that his prowess will lead them to a championship, just like he did alongside LeBron James‘ Cavs.
But the injury-ridden star couldn’t compete in 2018, leaving the Celtics inches away from making it to the NBA Finals.
Trending
Shaq Makes Big Claim That Can End LeBron James’ Future With Lakers After Nuggets Series
April 17, 2024 06:48 PM EDT
Why Is Gabbie Marshall Not Invited to the 2024 WNBA Draft Despite Graduating From Iowa?
April 13, 2024 06:21 PM EDT
Is Dawn Staley Married? Details on South Carolina Coach’s Love Life and Special Bond With Lisa Boyer
March 16, 2024 06:41 PM EDT
Possible Shohei Ohtani Ban From MLB Has Shaq Questioning $700 Million Contract
April 16, 2024 05:20 PM EDT
Nate Robinson’s Tragic Situation Receives Genuine Moment of Empathy from Stephen A. Smith
April 14, 2024 10:18 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
After another failed attempt for a title the following year, Irving decided to move on and left in free agency to sign with the Brooklyn Nets. The Celtics ended up with Kemba Walker from the Charlotte Hornets.
Despite that, Wyc Grousbeck recently confessed that if it wasn’t for Irving leaving, Boston would have been in a much better position.
“We had hoped Kyrie would stay forever and lead us all the way,” he stated.
“He’s on maybe the best team on the league right now and so that’s that. That change touched off a lot of stuff because he left, we weren’t maybe able to recruit free agents in the same way, and a bit of a domino effect. But it is what it is. We went for it with Kyrie. We had a good year with him. He tried hard and then he moved on.”
"We had hoped Kyrie would stay forever and lead us all the way…that change touched off a lot of stuff"
Wyc Grousbeck on Kyrie Irving's decision to leave Boston pic.twitter.com/aiSfb8CCZd
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) February 24, 2021
Is Kyrie Irving leaving the real problem?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It is clear that that this subtle statement means that Grousbeck still rues Kyrie’s decision to move on. However, it doesn’t look like the Celtics are doing as bad as he is making it out to be.
Even when the Celtics were without Irving towards the end of the 2017-18 season, they made an appearance in the ECF’s. In fact, the one time Kyrie was healthy, they could only reach the second round of the playoffs after being eliminated by the Milwaukee Bucks.
Last season too, they made a trip to the Conference Finals, only to be sent back by the Miami Heat. The facts are pointing in a different direction altogether. So, what is it that they are missing? Leave your comments down below.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Read also- OPINION: Three Things Boston Celtics Need to Do to Turn Their Season Around