Kyrie's Defense and overall value

[I Lack Maturity]

I want to start off by saying i have been reading this blog for about a decade and a half. I enjoy reading most of the opinions from fellow Celtics fans, whether I agree or disagree. I always criticized Kyrie when he was a Cav for his defense, he was just a lazy defender. Irving's first year as a Celtic he came out with energy on the defense end. Calling Kyrie during his first 30 Celtics games a lock down defender would make me as relevant as Fultz's jumper. Kyrie gave so much effort last year and was trying to lead by example. I really want someone to tell me I am wrong when I say he is back to being lazy. He drives and missing a layup (I know that does not happen often) and he jogs up the floor and Boston gives up a layup/wide open 3.

I just want everyone to know this is not a trade kyrie thread. i would not trade him for almost anyone. I am just asking if anyone is seeing what I have been seeing for the last year and a half.
Thanks guys.

[gouki88]

I think his defence has been far better this season than it was last season. Tatum does that (complaining to the refs, or generally not getting back on defence fast enough) more than Kyrie to my eye

[I Lack Maturity]

Why do you think his defense has been better? Their transition defense has been really bad when they get up 10-15 points. The entire team needs to understand what a good shot is late in a game, but Kyrie turns the ball over and just gives up. He has turned it over 2-3 times in the 4th quarter late in the last two Celtics loses. He has also made so many clutch buckets in both loses but in my opinion he tries to make the spectacular passes. He is unreal good and I'm not sure I want anyone else to have the ball late in games but he needs to make sure they at least get shots.

On a side note I love that Smart is confident and knocking down three's but i'm pretty sure they do not want Marcus shooting 9 3's a game. I am so happy when he is making shots... but I cringe at the same time because I know he will continue to chuck. I love the energy that Smart brings, but he gets shooting happy a lot. I guess its a give and take thing with him. He tends to make big 3's when it matters but will also take and miss some really bad 3's.

[moiso]

Kyrie started last season playing good defense but as he increased his offensive output he seemed to put far less emphasis on defense.  I think this year as a whole he has been much more consistent with his defensive effort.  I'm not disappointed with his defense right now, but give me time

[KGBirdBias]

I'm more disappointed that vs the Warriors and Lakers we couldn't secure a Final key rebound to possibly win these games we need.

Stevens is making some critical coaching errors down the stretch. I knew we were losing that game last night.

-why doesn't Steven's ever play the hot hand down thaler stretch. We had 61 bench points but none of those guys were in at the end of the game.
-blew another big lead
-Bron saves ball and gets it back for a dagger 3.
-why is Kyrie taking a shot so early in the shot clock

It's kind of divine that Rondo gave it to us. We don't play with enough urgency.

We will be lucky to have the 3rd seed.

[Big333223]

I think his defence has been far better this season than it was last season. Tatum does that (complaining to the refs, or generally not getting back on defence fast enough) more than Kyrie to my eye

This.

[tenn_smoothie]

I have problems with Stevens' coaching as well - the biggest concern being that he does not force his players to do the right things and stop doing the wrong things. He seems too worried about being a "player's coach" than anything else.

That said, the lead was blown because Irving refused to run the offense and just went total dribble-iso or dribble-penetrate. Yes, sometimes he will attempt a single pass out of the dribble to a teammate, but that is missing the point. The rest of this team is more effective within an offensive system, not standing around while Irving dribbles the ball. Regarding defense, the guy runs hot and cold - he was lazy defending the 3-point line vs Lakers.

As the season has progressed, Irving does not seem all that happy to be here and some of his teammates aren't all that thrilled about playing with the guy. Personally, I don't think Irving will ever be fully content wherever he goes, Knicks, Lakers, Nets, whatever. Just not in his nature.