Stephen A. Smith made it clear on “First Take” that he believes Boston Celtics fans should give Kyrie Irving a fierce reception during the NBA Finals.
“I think it should be vicious. I don’t have a problem saying that. I mean vicious but obviously within reason don’t do anything physical or stupid or whatever. They should boo the hell out of him, they shouldn’t like him, they should want to despise him because he was a star his first season.”
“They averaged 24 and five in the 60 games he played for them. His exact quote to them is ‘if you guys will have me back I plan on resigning here next summer’ and then infamously departed to go to Brooklyn.
“You’re the Boston Celtics, you’re one of the most story franchise in basketball anals and then you obviously see the history that he has with them.”
“I’m speaking purely in basketball context they shouldn’t like a thing about him because he is staring for someone other than them it’s it’s it’s a form of respect to be indifferent and silent and melancholy or whatever it is.” (7:03)
Smith emphasized that while the boos should be intense, fans should remain within the bounds of reason and not resort to anything physical or dangerous. He urged Celtics supporters to “boo the hell out of him,” reflecting the lingering resentment from Irving’s controversial departure from Boston.
Irving, who played two seasons with the Celtics, left a bitter taste in the mouths of Boston fans. Despite initially stating his intention to re-sign with the team, Irving ultimately chose to join the Brooklyn Nets, a move that still stings for many Celtics supporters. His departure, combined with a memorable incident where he stomped on the Celtics’ logo during a return to Boston, has only fueled the animosity.
Smith argues that the intense reaction from Celtics fans is a form of respect. He believes that Irving’s talent and potential should have been realized in a Celtics uniform, and the fact that he is now excelling for another team only adds to the frustration. The expectation is that Celtics fans will make their displeasure known, channeling their emotions into a hostile environment for Irving.
Ahead of Game 1 of the Finals, Smith’s comments set the stage for a charged atmosphere at TD Garden. He contends that the boos are not just about past grievances but also about the respect and acknowledgment of Irving’s skills. The fans’ reaction will be a testament to how much they wanted Irving to succeed in Boston and their disappointment that he is now a star elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Irving has shown a more reflective side when discussing his time in Boston. In an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, he expressed gratitude for his experience with the Celtics, acknowledging that it was a crucial part of his personal and professional growth. Despite the ups and downs, Irving seems to have made peace with his time in Boston and is focused on the future.
As the Finals get underway, Irving’s ability to block out the hostile environment and focus on his performance will be crucial. His reunion with the Boston crowd adds an intriguing subplot to the series, highlighting the complex relationship between a player and a city that once had high hopes for him.
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