I look forward to Kyrie singing a max contract with the Celtics next summer and watching him lead the team for the foreseeable future. It will be a joy to watch such an immensely talented, stand up guy wear the Celtics uniform and bring glory to the franchise.
Lol. Now we're really trolling.
I understand Celtics fans rooting for Kyrie because of his contribution to wins, brand, or (sort of) alma mater, though only among those that don't follow and/or care about a player's character. I have no judgement about those fans or believe those that do care are "better," but I don't understand the unwillingness or inability to acknowledge his actions over the years. I've always known you to be a solid, reasonable and well-informed guy, so I'm curious to know how you reconcile all of the indicators that he's a self-centered guy and poor teammate. His character and attitude issues are well-documented --the detailed reports of how he acted in Cleveland, bashing of his former team and coach , decision to opt for surgery due to discomfort (I called that it was a 'staph' infection several months before it was reported too [TP, tar]), and choosing not to support his teammates for Game 7 because he didn't want to be seen with bandages on his nose (stated by Ainge in an interview). Can you at least acknowledge that his attitude and past behavior just... suck?
As a fan that values player character and team cohesion above all else, I truly felt spoiled by having Rondo and IT4 fill the PG position that I hold near and dear to my heart. We were blessed with two guys that played through significant physical injury and personal tragedy, showed a hell-bent desire to win, and generally refrained from bashing the organization when they when a lot of other players would have. I'm grateful to have had those guys in Green and can't wait to root for the next gritty and overachieving PG to lead our crew. Again, I respect your appreciation for Kyrie, but I can't understand the inability or unwillingness of others to appreciate those that aren't happy with Irving at the helm.
Nothing against you but that's some nice selective memory you have and it's really astonishing! Rondo, the same guy that attempted to assault his coach, a guy notorious for lording his bball IQ over his coaches and teammates at every stop?? If rondo is as great as you say then why on earth has he hopped over the league with all his talent?
I've already talked about how people closed their eyes to the things IT4 said, because they liked him. He made waves in Phoenix and didn't stop talking the media his entire time there. He came here and threw CBS and his teammates under the bus when things didn't go well. The same guy who had clothes made and wore them DURING the season in reference to money. That is a move LBJ would make, self promotion to the highest level, instead of worrying about the team. If kyrie made clothes always pertaining to getting paid You would have lost your mind. I know that because people, probably you, cry about him basically giving "no comment" answers when asked about his future! Went to Cavs and promptly got on everyone's nerves and made the fans feel like he didn't like them but constantly talking about Boston fans. Who does that when you go to another team and needing to integrate yourself? He helped disrupt that team with his ME attitude, but of course you'll blame LBJ and his teammates/coaches, while talking out the side of your mouth about the Kyrie situation.
You have no proof that kyrie is a bad teammate, the players and the team say totally different. He has constantly and consistently praised the situation he is in (people close their ears). You may find players that say he was standoffish and to himself but I can show you guys that day the opposite. Voted a guy that people would like to play with most by players on USA team. The players know the inside dealings, unlike us... he must not be too bad of a person!
Just tell the truth, you don't like Kyrie because of who he isn't, because you can't point to anything he has actually said or done! I can definitely point to things CS have said that point to the opposite of your narrative!
I'd take Rondo and it4 back in the right situation but I'm not going to pretend that they were amazing people (basketball related).