It does feel as if we did IT4 wrong. He heavily recruited Durant, KLove, and was instrumental in us getting Big Al and The Haymaker.
The Boston Celtics - perhaps more than ANY other NBA team in history besides maybe the Lakers - thrives on CHEMISTRY and HEART.
He "LOVED" BOS and promoted us big time. He has a HUGE heart and at least RIGHT NOW more grit than Kyrie.
For ME, it's easier to stay attached to IT4 since he WAS BOS (and in my heart will ALWAYS be).
But I trust Danny (and Coach Stevens).
I don't know Kyrie personally but I've questioned his character in relation to him wanting out of CLE....his dancing with Steph, etc, etc. But his talent is UNDENIABLE - as well as his youth.
Unless things fall apart here in BOS over the next few years (they WON'T) I can see him resigning here again. He'll have The Haymaker, Big Al, Jayson Tatum, Smart, Jaylen, Morris, Baynes and whomever else Danny brings in here with that Laker pick.
Jayson is a fellow Blue Devil so there's a connection right there. Didn't these two JUST take a picture together or something?
We "COULD" have yet ANOTHER Blue Devil next season in Marvelous Marvin Bagley. That will be THREE.
We could very well be called the Duke Celtics (or the Boston Blue Devils) here in the next year or so.
There's already been some speculation as to WHY it happened (IT's health, paying him the max, his defense, etc, etc, etc) has already been discussed. Danny (and Brad) knows a LOT more than any of us.
The heartstrings will be tough to break, indeed. IT playing through his sister's passing..........those HUGE games of his.......
This is not to even mention Jae. He was one of our better defenders and added a LOT of grit to this team as well.
Kyrie will have HUGE shoes to fill for us ALL on the EMOTIONAL side. Character-wise he will need to get to BOS and WORK hard. No dancing with Steph Curry. BOS is BUSINESS.
I have no doubt he will do this.
Talent-wise there is no denying Kyrie. I believe we will be marginally better overall.
As long as Kyrie gives LeBron the business on October 17 I'll be happy.
Danny Ainge showed me with the Perk trade that he can make moves regardless of how it could affect the team chemistry-wise. The "ONLY" good side in regards to chemistry is that the season has NOT started yet and we're still a few weeks away from Training Camp.
The Perk trade was made mid-season.
What is the saying - "Fortune Favors the Bold"? Well, Danny HAS been bold the last 7-8 years or so.
We'll be fine as a team. Just have to let this all settle in.