Irving, by most metrics, is the Celtics’ best player. His value on offense is colossal, his defensive weaknesses less glaring than a few years ago. But for some reason the Celtics are just as good, or better, when he doesn’t play. Since January, the Celtics are 20-12. When Kyrie has played during that stretch, they’re 11-11. When he hasn’t played, they’re 9-1. They have five wins against playoff contenders when he’s played, five when he hasn’t. And what happened last season is still fresh in our minds. Kyrie’s left knee needed surgery, forcing him out of the last 13 games of the regular season (Celtics were 8-5) and all of the playoffs (Celtics were 11-8 during that excellent run that ended in Cleveland in Game 7). 14 hours ago – via TrueHoop