Kyrie Irving surprisingly speaks highly of 'crazy' Celtics tenure

Kyrie Irving's history with the Boston Celtics is described as murky, marked by controversial incidents like burning sage in the arena, flipping off fans, and cursing at people after a game. Despite this difficult relationship, there was an initial period of genuine excitement when Irving first joined the Celtics after requesting a trade from Cleveland to escape LeBron James' shadow. On paper, Boston seemed like a great fit, boasting young stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, alongside signings Gordon Hayward and Al Horford, suggesting elite team potential.

However, Irving's time in Boston was ultimately not a successful fit for various reasons, and the team failed to achieve its desired success. He left via free agency for the Brooklyn Nets two years later, cementing the hatred of Celtics fans towards him.

Recently, during a stream, Irving brought on Celtics star Jaylen Brown, who asked about Irving's time in Boston. Irving responded graciously, recalling his initial excitement upon joining the team. He cited family connections (his father attended school nearby and his mother graduated from Boston University) and the appealing change of pace from Cleveland. Irving emphasized the thrill of playing alongside so much talent, stating that Brown and others challenged him daily, which he needed. He specifically mentioned the excitement of putting on the Celtics uniform as a standout memory.

The article notes that Irving's perception around the NBA has significantly improved during his time with the Dallas Mavericks, where he has found a home and happiness. His recent offseason streams are credited with helping people see more of his personality and true character.