Anyone can utilize stats to make their argument more compelling. Stats can reveal some significant insights, but, overall, their value is limited. I place more value on "eye test", watching how the team performs together. Last night I watched highlights of the 80's Celtics/Lakers rivalry. I had forgotten the degree to which the Bird era Celts played as a team, with their phenomenal passing and team spirit. Of course, it's not fair to compare the Bird era Celts with the current team. It seems even trite to compare the teams. However, I believe it is a mistake to minimize chemistry, comraderie and playing for each other.
This past year, the team was simply a collection of individual players, who showed no heart. The divisiveness was palpable and the effort inconsistent. Irving would never have pulled his divisive, off the court antics with Bird or Lebron on his team. The contention that Irving is an all-star is unassailable. The contention that Irving has been a bad fit with Stevens and the Celts is also unassailable.