Kyrie Irving and the Boston Celtics parted ways at the end of the 2018-19 season. He recently appeared on his Twitch stream with his former teammate Jaylen Brown and spoke about his most beloved memories of playing for the Celtics.
“It was when I first got there, bro. Like It was so exciting. My dad had gone to school right up the street. My mom graduated from BU as well, so it felt right, you know, just going there, being able to go with you guys.”
“And bro, to be on the floor with that much talent after being in Cleveland. I needed that change of pace. You guys were challenging me every day and I needed that. I need that for sure. So, first getting there, the excitement, being able to put on the Boston Celtics uniform, that was crazy.”
Kyrie Irving played for the Celtics from 2017 to the end of 2018-19 season. During his time with the Celtics, Kyrie Irving averaged 24.1 points, 6.1 assists and 4.4 rebounds across two seasons.
Following which he has very controversial exit from the team that would make most fans feel that Irving would not recall his time this fondly. From making promises to fans of his return, to stomping on the Celtics logo after signing with the Nets, it was safe to say, Kyrie Irving was no longer a fan-favorite in Boston.
While playing for the Cavaliers, Nets and Mavericks, Irving faced the Celtics 28 times where he averaged 23.1 points, 5.0 assists and 3.9 rebounds. In those games, Kyrie Irving’s teams were 13-15 in all-time record against the Celtics.
Why Kyrie Irving Left The Celtics
Kyrie Irving left the Celtics in 2019 to sign with the Nets primarily due to wanting as change of scenery and other personal reasons. He felt a need to be closer to his family in New Jersey and sought a situation where he could have more control over a franchise.
While he initially expressed a desire to re-sign with the Celtics, his second season in Boston became increasingly tumultuous, and he ultimately decided to pursue other opportunities. If Kyrie had never left the club, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Irving would likely be on a dynastic era run.
He faced off against his former team in the 2024 NBA Finals but they blew the Mavericks apart in a 4-1 dominant series win. Due to his previous departure from Boston and the encounters that followed, Kyrie Irving was subjected to a great deal of jeering and taunting from Celtics fans in that run.
Irving, however, claimed he wasn’t overly impressed by the crowd and even joked that he had anticipated a “louder” atmosphere. Additionally, he expressed regret for his actions in Boston and a wish to act more responsibly going forward.
