The Kyrie Irving free agency thread(to sign 4yr/$141M w/Nets page 105)

[ozgod]

Am I the only one who thinks there is zero chance that Kyrie leaves?

I don't think there's zero chance but I don't think he leaves.

[Tr1boy]

Am I the only one who thinks there is zero chance that Kyrie leaves?

I don't think there's zero chance but I don't think he leaves.

Explain your reasoning

What assurance has he provided?

[RJ87]

Isaiah Thomas's playing style wasn't that much different, and don't tell me he moved the ball more, because that isn't true statistically...

He also averaged less assists, but got to the line more. One difference. They were both ball dominant players that used iso heavy.

He also called out teammates and coaching at times, too.

the difference is who did IT4 have to pass it to?

guys like Crowder, Smart, allergic to shoot Olynyk,  were happy to let IT4 go to work

Rozier and Brown were still pups

So you think it's okay for a "leader" to call out teammates and coaches?

IT4 did call out Stevens once...  "I let him do his job sometimes" or to that effect

Teammates, I don't recall

but yes, it was improper

In regards to him being the captain or leader of the team.....was he really?  he wasn't the official captain .... yes he got lots of media attention, but nobody knows if he was the head leader.  Or it was Horford or it was Brad Stevens

It is different than Irving who came into this team, flashing his "ring" .... young guys this, young guys that.  Stating many times "As the leader".   With Rozier stating the team rides on "Irving" mood/play or something to that effect

"I know what it takes to win, and the young guys need to realise...."  but then "I'm so tired of all of this getting better talk, can't wait to play at the highest level (skip to the playoffs")  ..... "If you want me, I plan to resign"  "Ask me on July 1st"

Irving is probably the most polarizing athlete I have seen

IT after we lost a playoff game to Atlanta:
"It should be a sign of disrespect to my teammates for (Atlanta) to put two on the ball every time I have it. Other guys have to step up and make plays, that’s what it comes down to. Other guys have to make plays for us to win.” 

IT on Brad:
"We gave up. I mean, coaching staff as well. We start subbing. I only played 27 minutes. It was bad. We went into panic mode, for whatever reason."

“We should have won this game. We should have won (Sunday) night in Phoenix.  We can’t be experimenting [with lineups] in Game 63.”

That last quote actually led to a meeting with Danny Ainge:
“I talk with Isaiah about becoming a better leader, and I think he can and will develop into one,” said Ainge.
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/isaiah-thomas-met-with-danny-ainge-after-criticizing-brad-stevens-for-experimenting/

[ozgod]

Am I the only one who thinks there is zero chance that Kyrie leaves?

I don't think there's zero chance but I don't think he leaves.

Explain your reasoning

What assurance has he provided?

I don't think he's said anything definitive either way as to staying or leaving. The last time he addressed this, after AD's trade request, he said "Boston's still at the head of that list". Then when he was asked again after the season he deflected saying that his first priority was getting back to Boston and hanging out with his family. I'm not taking the absence of a commitment as evidence that he's not planning to stay, but neither am I taking it as a guarantee that he is. My conclusion is based on the assumption that if he wants to win, this is the best place for him, because we have the most assets to put together a team that can be built around him. If he wants some malcontents to be shipped out I'm sure Danny will oblige, after what happened this season. All the other stuff swirling around, like Kobe and Ric Bucher and everything else, I'm just treating it as noise.

Going to NJ or NY to start over, I don't think their assets are as good and their team as well managed as ours is. But I don't know what Kyrie's value system is, I don't know what he finds important in life or in career so until he decides there's no guarantee. But if I were in his position I would be staying, for the reasons I outlined. The only thing that I think might make him forego the advantages he has in the setup here is if he felt that he was past the point of no return with Boston fans. If that's the case then he might well decide to go to a Edited.  Profanity and masked profanity are against forum rules and may result in discipline.tier situation because he wants to play somewhere where he gets adulation and support.

[Tr1boy]

Isaiah Thomas's playing style wasn't that much different, and don't tell me he moved the ball more, because that isn't true statistically...

He also averaged less assists, but got to the line more. One difference. They were both ball dominant players that used iso heavy.

He also called out teammates and coaching at times, too.

the difference is who did IT4 have to pass it to?

guys like Crowder, Smart, allergic to shoot Olynyk,  were happy to let IT4 go to work

Rozier and Brown were still pups

So you think it's okay for a "leader" to call out teammates and coaches?

IT4 did call out Stevens once...  "I let him do his job sometimes" or to that effect

Teammates, I don't recall

but yes, it was improper

In regards to him being the captain or leader of the team.....was he really?  he wasn't the official captain .... yes he got lots of media attention, but nobody knows if he was the head leader.  Or it was Horford or it was Brad Stevens

It is different than Irving who came into this team, flashing his "ring" .... young guys this, young guys that.  Stating many times "As the leader".   With Rozier stating the team rides on "Irving" mood/play or something to that effect

"I know what it takes to win, and the young guys need to realise...."  but then "I'm so tired of all of this getting better talk, can't wait to play at the highest level (skip to the playoffs")  ..... "If you want me, I plan to resign"  "Ask me on July 1st"

Irving is probably the most polarizing athlete I have seen

IT after we lost a playoff game to Atlanta:
"It should be a sign of disrespect to my teammates for (Atlanta) to put two on the ball every time I have it. Other guys have to step up and make plays, that’s what it comes down to. Other guys have to make plays for us to win.” 

IT on Brad:
"We gave up. I mean, coaching staff as well. We start subbing. I only played 27 minutes. It was bad. We went into panic mode, for whatever reason."

“We should have won this game. We should have won (Sunday) night in Phoenix.  We can’t be experimenting [with lineups] in Game 63.”

That last quote actually led to a meeting with Danny Ainge:
“I talk with Isaiah about becoming a better leader, and I think he can and will develop into one,” said Ainge.
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/isaiah-thomas-met-with-danny-ainge-after-criticizing-brad-stevens-for-experimenting/

I don't get your point

like i stated, IT4 was never given the C ..even your quote above, Danny stated "he can develop into one"...  he may have thought he was the head honcho.  It was a young team and he was one of the vets along with Crowder, Horford etc. But he was also making 6 million dollars per season and in similar situation as many of the players in the locker room.  Al Horford, if anything was probably the "leader",  the guy who kept the group together

[nickagneta]

So is Kyrie to the Lakers a done deal hearing that it's between Lakers and Nets

Not even close. He bought a house in a nice neighborhood near where he used to live in Jersey. No big deal. And I would put more stock in Jackie Mac's reporting of Kyrie not going to LA than I would Ric Bucher, Colin Cowherd or Brian Windhorst.

Nick the odds are he is not returning as a Celtic

You should start preparing afterlife without Kyrie

If the guy cared about an extra year and 40 million, he would have stayed with the Cavs and been eligible for the supermax

1. Neither you nor anyone else know that the odds are more likely he leaves. Anyone saying they know what is more or less likely is guessing.

2. Not sure where you are getting the idea that you think I am sure of him staying here so should prepare myself because I will be disappointed he leaves. Here is the link to all my posts Triboy. Please point out the one that I recently posted that said I thought he was returning.

https://forum.celticsstrong.com/index.php?action=profile;area=showposts;u=2596

Please, never assume to know what I am thinking.

[RJ87]

Isaiah Thomas's playing style wasn't that much different, and don't tell me he moved the ball more, because that isn't true statistically...

He also averaged less assists, but got to the line more. One difference. They were both ball dominant players that used iso heavy.

He also called out teammates and coaching at times, too.

the difference is who did IT4 have to pass it to?

guys like Crowder, Smart, allergic to shoot Olynyk,  were happy to let IT4 go to work

Rozier and Brown were still pups

So you think it's okay for a "leader" to call out teammates and coaches?

IT4 did call out Stevens once...  "I let him do his job sometimes" or to that effect

Teammates, I don't recall

but yes, it was improper

In regards to him being the captain or leader of the team.....was he really?  he wasn't the official captain .... yes he got lots of media attention, but nobody knows if he was the head leader.  Or it was Horford or it was Brad Stevens

It is different than Irving who came into this team, flashing his "ring" .... young guys this, young guys that.  Stating many times "As the leader".   With Rozier stating the team rides on "Irving" mood/play or something to that effect

"I know what it takes to win, and the young guys need to realise...."  but then "I'm so tired of all of this getting better talk, can't wait to play at the highest level (skip to the playoffs")  ..... "If you want me, I plan to resign"  "Ask me on July 1st"

Irving is probably the most polarizing athlete I have seen

IT after we lost a playoff game to Atlanta:
"It should be a sign of disrespect to my teammates for (Atlanta) to put two on the ball every time I have it. Other guys have to step up and make plays, that’s what it comes down to. Other guys have to make plays for us to win.” 

IT on Brad:
"We gave up. I mean, coaching staff as well. We start subbing. I only played 27 minutes. It was bad. We went into panic mode, for whatever reason."

“We should have won this game. We should have won (Sunday) night in Phoenix.  We can’t be experimenting [with lineups] in Game 63.”

That last quote actually led to a meeting with Danny Ainge:
“I talk with Isaiah about becoming a better leader, and I think he can and will develop into one,” said Ainge.
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/isaiah-thomas-met-with-danny-ainge-after-criticizing-brad-stevens-for-experimenting/

I don't get your point

like i stated, IT4 was never given the C ..even your quote above, Danny stated "he can develop into one"...  he may have thought he was the head honcho.  It was a young team and he was one of the vets along with Crowder, Horford etc. But he was also making 6 million dollars per season and in similar situation as many of the players in the locker room.  Al Horford, if anything was probably the "leader",  the guy who kept the group together

Kyrie was never given the C either. That's my point. IT was excused for the same things people want to run Kyrie out of town for. It's hypocritical.

Everything you just said excusing IT, could apply to Kyrie (except for the salary, and even then he's not the highest paid player on the team).

[Tr1boy]

So is Kyrie to the Lakers a done deal hearing that it's between Lakers and Nets

Not even close. He bought a house in a nice neighborhood near where he used to live in Jersey. No big deal. And I would put more stock in Jackie Mac's reporting of Kyrie not going to LA than I would Ric Bucher, Colin Cowherd or Brian Windhorst.

Nick the odds are he is not returning as a Celtic

You should start preparing afterlife without Kyrie

If the guy cared about an extra year and 40 million, he would have stayed with the Cavs and been eligible for the supermax

1. Neither you nor anyone else know that the odds are more likely he leaves. Anyone saying they know what is more or less likely is guessing.

2. Not sure where you are getting the idea that you think I am sure of him staying here so should prepare myself because I will be disappointed he leaves. Here is the link to all my posts Triboy. Please point out the one that I recently posted that said I thought he was returning.

https://forum.celticsstrong.com/index.php?action=profile;area=showposts;u=2596

Please, never assume to know what I am thinking.

ok mystery man 

look I didn't mean to hit a nerve. But look below  (your quotes)

At this point I would rather have Kyrie

When it comes to which I would rather keep, 11 times out of 10, I would keep Kyrie.

Also not sure how it goes from....  don't be disappointed and to prepare...... to don't assume, I'm sure Irving is staying. 

I never stated you knew "for sure"

but as I listed your quotes above, you want him to stay.....thus if he doesn't , don't be disappointed.  Thats a fair connection, isnt it?

[CelticSooner]

Anyone other than Bucher reporting anything? If not carry on lol

[nickagneta]

So is Kyrie to the Lakers a done deal hearing that it's between Lakers and Nets

Not even close. He bought a house in a nice neighborhood near where he used to live in Jersey. No big deal. And I would put more stock in Jackie Mac's reporting of Kyrie not going to LA than I would Ric Bucher, Colin Cowherd or Brian Windhorst.

Nick the odds are he is not returning as a Celtic

You should start preparing afterlife without Kyrie

If the guy cared about an extra year and 40 million, he would have stayed with the Cavs and been eligible for the supermax

1. Neither you nor anyone else know that the odds are more likely he leaves. Anyone saying they know what is more or less likely is guessing.

2. Not sure where you are getting the idea that you think I am sure of him staying here so should prepare myself because I will be disappointed he leaves. Here is the link to all my posts Triboy. Please point out the one that I recently posted that said I thought he was returning.

https://forum.celticsstrong.com/index.php?action=profile;area=showposts;u=2596

Please, never assume to know what I am thinking.

ok mystery man 

look I didn't mean to hit a nerve. But look below  (your quotes)

At this point I would rather have Kyrie

When it comes to which I would rather keep, 11 times out of 10, I would keep Kyrie.

Please, let's look at context. 1st quote:

*sigh*

Meanwhile Kyrie quit on the coaches philosophy at the beginning of the season.

And for all of Kyrie's scoring and all of Rondo's so-called bad behavior...Kyrie is not and will never be the playmaker Rondo is/was.

And I say this knowing good and well Rondo is not coming back here

Completely different players with different responsibilities and completely different skill sets.

Rondo is the consummate pass first PG who you do not want with the ball in his hands late in tight games. Kyrie is the consummate shoot first PG who you definitely do want to have the ball late in games.

If you have Rondo, you need to construct your roster and run your offense differently than if Kyrie is your PG.

Strangely, people complain of both dribbling the ball out way to much at the top of the key, Kyrie to go iso and score, Rondo to find the perfect pass to get an easy basket and an assist.

At this point I would rather have Kyrie but, I do prefer my PGs to be more like prime 2008-2012 Rondo, a pass first PG with off the chart passing skills and court vision, tremendous rebounding abilities and great defense. Unfortunately that Rondo was as bad if not worse a leader than Kyrie and probably just as mercurial and more difficult behind the scenes.

2nd quote:

Please.

Stop.

I mean, just no.

Not after this year and finding out he was playing only for himself and his next contract this year and not for the team. He was dismal all year.

I was a big Rozier supporter until this year. I expected more of him. He sucked 95% of the time. He needs to go.

Also, he doesn't want to come back because even without Kyrie, Rozier is a bench player as Smart and Brown would be the starters. Nah, Rozier will sign somewhere where he will start and get to be "the man"(no, not Becky Lynch).

so you give a free pass to Kyme

but give Rozier all this??

why?

Who said I give Kyrie a free pass. Kyrie played outstanding ball this year. You can complain about his poor leadership, fickle attitude and drama he helped to perpetuate all you want and won't get arguments from me for many of those things, but on the court, Kyrie was outstanding except those last 4 playoff games.

You can not say that about Rozier. On the court he was pretty awful. His shooting got worse as did his me first game because of an upcoming contract. And apparently, he was one of the youth with bad attitudes. So he was no locker room darling either.

When it comes to which I would rather keep, 11 times out of 10, I would keep Kyrie.

So your quotes proving I somehow have decided I want Kyrie here are dishonestly taken out of the context the quotes came from. One is discussing Rondo's game and how I would prefer Kyrie over Rondo and the other is from a reply to your post where, once again, you mischaracterized my opinion on Kyrie based on my opinion of Rozier's play from last year where I said I would prefer Kyrie over Rozier.

Do not ever be so blatantly dishonest when quoting me again, Triboy.

[Tr1boy]

So is Kyrie to the Lakers a done deal hearing that it's between Lakers and Nets

Not even close. He bought a house in a nice neighborhood near where he used to live in Jersey. No big deal. And I would put more stock in Jackie Mac's reporting of Kyrie not going to LA than I would Ric Bucher, Colin Cowherd or Brian Windhorst.

Nick the odds are he is not returning as a Celtic

You should start preparing afterlife without Kyrie

If the guy cared about an extra year and 40 million, he would have stayed with the Cavs and been eligible for the supermax

1. Neither you nor anyone else know that the odds are more likely he leaves. Anyone saying they know what is more or less likely is guessing.

2. Not sure where you are getting the idea that you think I am sure of him staying here so should prepare myself because I will be disappointed he leaves. Here is the link to all my posts Triboy. Please point out the one that I recently posted that said I thought he was returning.

https://forum.celticsstrong.com/index.php?action=profile;area=showposts;u=2596

Please, never assume to know what I am thinking.

ok mystery man 

look I didn't mean to hit a nerve. But look below  (your quotes)

At this point I would rather have Kyrie

When it comes to which I would rather keep, 11 times out of 10, I would keep Kyrie.

Please, let's look at context. 1st quote:

*sigh*

Meanwhile Kyrie quit on the coaches philosophy at the beginning of the season.

And for all of Kyrie's scoring and all of Rondo's so-called bad behavior...Kyrie is not and will never be the playmaker Rondo is/was.

And I say this knowing good and well Rondo is not coming back here

Completely different players with different responsibilities and completely different skill sets.

Rondo is the consummate pass first PG who you do not want with the ball in his hands late in tight games. Kyrie is the consummate shoot first PG who you definitely do want to have the ball late in games.

If you have Rondo, you need to construct your roster and run your offense differently than if Kyrie is your PG.

Strangely, people complain of both dribbling the ball out way to much at the top of the key, Kyrie to go iso and score, Rondo to find the perfect pass to get an easy basket and an assist.

At this point I would rather have Kyrie but, I do prefer my PGs to be more like prime 2008-2012 Rondo, a pass first PG with off the chart passing skills and court vision, tremendous rebounding abilities and great defense. Unfortunately that Rondo was as bad if not worse a leader than Kyrie and probably just as mercurial and more difficult behind the scenes.

2nd quote:

Please.

Stop.

I mean, just no.

Not after this year and finding out he was playing only for himself and his next contract this year and not for the team. He was dismal all year.

I was a big Rozier supporter until this year. I expected more of him. He sucked 95% of the time. He needs to go.

Also, he doesn't want to come back because even without Kyrie, Rozier is a bench player as Smart and Brown would be the starters. Nah, Rozier will sign somewhere where he will start and get to be "the man"(no, not Becky Lynch).

so you give a free pass to Kyme

but give Rozier all this??

why?

Who said I give Kyrie a free pass. Kyrie played outstanding ball this year. You can complain about his poor leadership, fickle attitude and drama he helped to perpetuate all you want and won't get arguments from me for many of those things, but on the court, Kyrie was outstanding except those last 4 playoff games.

You can not say that about Rozier. On the court he was pretty awful. His shooting got worse as did his me first game because of an upcoming contract. And apparently, he was one of the youth with bad attitudes. So he was no locker room darling either.

When it comes to which I would rather keep, 11 times out of 10, I would keep Kyrie.

So your quotes proving I somehow have decided I want Kyrie here are dishonestly taken out of the context the quotes came from. One is discussing Rondo's game and how I would prefer Kyrie over Rondo and the other is from a reply to your post where, once again, you mischaracterized my opinion on Kyrie based on my opinion of Rozier's play from last year where I said I would prefer Kyrie over Rozier.

Do not ever be so blatantly dishonest when quoting me again, Triboy.

Ok forget this game... do you or do you not want him back?? Or since you  are technical.... would you like him back?

Easy question that requires an easy answer

[nickagneta]

So is Kyrie to the Lakers a done deal hearing that it's between Lakers and Nets

Not even close. He bought a house in a nice neighborhood near where he used to live in Jersey. No big deal. And I would put more stock in Jackie Mac's reporting of Kyrie not going to LA than I would Ric Bucher, Colin Cowherd or Brian Windhorst.

Nick the odds are he is not returning as a Celtic

You should start preparing afterlife without Kyrie

If the guy cared about an extra year and 40 million, he would have stayed with the Cavs and been eligible for the supermax

1. Neither you nor anyone else know that the odds are more likely he leaves. Anyone saying they know what is more or less likely is guessing.

2. Not sure where you are getting the idea that you think I am sure of him staying here so should prepare myself because I will be disappointed he leaves. Here is the link to all my posts Triboy. Please point out the one that I recently posted that said I thought he was returning.

https://forum.celticsstrong.com/index.php?action=profile;area=showposts;u=2596

Please, never assume to know what I am thinking.

ok mystery man 

look I didn't mean to hit a nerve. But look below  (your quotes)

At this point I would rather have Kyrie

When it comes to which I would rather keep, 11 times out of 10, I would keep Kyrie.

Please, let's look at context. 1st quote:

*sigh*

Meanwhile Kyrie quit on the coaches philosophy at the beginning of the season.

And for all of Kyrie's scoring and all of Rondo's so-called bad behavior...Kyrie is not and will never be the playmaker Rondo is/was.

And I say this knowing good and well Rondo is not coming back here

Completely different players with different responsibilities and completely different skill sets.

Rondo is the consummate pass first PG who you do not want with the ball in his hands late in tight games. Kyrie is the consummate shoot first PG who you definitely do want to have the ball late in games.

If you have Rondo, you need to construct your roster and run your offense differently than if Kyrie is your PG.

Strangely, people complain of both dribbling the ball out way to much at the top of the key, Kyrie to go iso and score, Rondo to find the perfect pass to get an easy basket and an assist.

At this point I would rather have Kyrie but, I do prefer my PGs to be more like prime 2008-2012 Rondo, a pass first PG with off the chart passing skills and court vision, tremendous rebounding abilities and great defense. Unfortunately that Rondo was as bad if not worse a leader than Kyrie and probably just as mercurial and more difficult behind the scenes.

2nd quote:

Please.

Stop.

I mean, just no.

Not after this year and finding out he was playing only for himself and his next contract this year and not for the team. He was dismal all year.

I was a big Rozier supporter until this year. I expected more of him. He sucked 95% of the time. He needs to go.

Also, he doesn't want to come back because even without Kyrie, Rozier is a bench player as Smart and Brown would be the starters. Nah, Rozier will sign somewhere where he will start and get to be "the man"(no, not Becky Lynch).

so you give a free pass to Kyme

but give Rozier all this??

why?

Who said I give Kyrie a free pass. Kyrie played outstanding ball this year. You can complain about his poor leadership, fickle attitude and drama he helped to perpetuate all you want and won't get arguments from me for many of those things, but on the court, Kyrie was outstanding except those last 4 playoff games.

You can not say that about Rozier. On the court he was pretty awful. His shooting got worse as did his me first game because of an upcoming contract. And apparently, he was one of the youth with bad attitudes. So he was no locker room darling either.

When it comes to which I would rather keep, 11 times out of 10, I would keep Kyrie.

So your quotes proving I somehow have decided I want Kyrie here are dishonestly taken out of the context the quotes came from. One is discussing Rondo's game and how I would prefer Kyrie over Rondo and the other is from a reply to your post where, once again, you mischaracterized my opinion on Kyrie based on my opinion of Rozier's play from last year where I said I would prefer Kyrie over Rozier.

Do not ever be so blatantly dishonest when quoting me again, Triboy.

Ok forget this game... do you or do you not want him back?? Or since you  are technical.... would you like him back?

Easy question that requires an easy answer

It depends. There is a ton of parts in motion. I really have not decided yet.

I do know I do not want to lose a 2nd team All-NBA player for nothing, so in that sense, I want him to re-sign, if only so that maybe somewhere down the line we trade him.

But, I don't see having that thought in the back of your mind as a good mindset to have when trying to convince Kyrie to stay. If Kyrie and his team think even for a second that that scenario could happen, and Ainge wouldn't stand a chance to get him to re-sign here. So if you don't want to lose Kyrie as an asset, you really do need to buy into wanting Kyrie here long term with all your heart and soul.

Thing is I am conflicted if I want Kyrie here long term if another better superstar isn't also here. I am all in on a Kyrie/Brown or Smart/Hayward/Horford/Davis grouping being here. Oh hell, yeah.

But Kyrie without that better star? I am not sure that team can win it all. And at my age I want titles.

I know I don't want a decade of mediocrity where before the season starts I know the Celtics can't win it. That is a no go. Make the moves that will move this team into real title contention or make the moves that send it into a complete rebuild with only Brown and Tatum and maybe Smart sticking around.

So, until I know what is going down with Davis, I really have not formulated a definite opinion on whether I want Kyrie back.

[ImShakHeIsShaq]

Isaiah Thomas's playing style wasn't that much different, and don't tell me he moved the ball more, because that isn't true statistically...

He also averaged less assists, but got to the line more. One difference. They were both ball dominant players that used iso heavy.

He also called out teammates and coaching at times, too.

the difference is who did IT4 have to pass it to?

guys like Crowder, Smart, allergic to shoot Olynyk,  were happy to let IT4 go to work

Rozier and Brown were still pups

So you think it's okay for a "leader" to call out teammates and coaches?

IT4 did call out Stevens once...  "I let him do his job sometimes" or to that effect

Teammates, I don't recall

but yes, it was improper

In regards to him being the captain or leader of the team.....was he really?  he wasn't the official captain .... yes he got lots of media attention, but nobody knows if he was the head leader.  Or it was Horford or it was Brad Stevens

It is different than Irving who came into this team, flashing his "ring" .... young guys this, young guys that.  Stating many times "As the leader".   With Rozier stating the team rides on "Irving" mood/play or something to that effect

"I know what it takes to win, and the young guys need to realise...."  but then "I'm so tired of all of this getting better talk, can't wait to play at the highest level (skip to the playoffs")  ..... "If you want me, I plan to resign"  "Ask me on July 1st"

Irving is probably the most polarizing athlete I have seen

IT after we lost a playoff game to Atlanta:
"It should be a sign of disrespect to my teammates for (Atlanta) to put two on the ball every time I have it. Other guys have to step up and make plays, that’s what it comes down to. Other guys have to make plays for us to win.” 

IT on Brad:
"We gave up. I mean, coaching staff as well. We start subbing. I only played 27 minutes. It was bad. We went into panic mode, for whatever reason."

“We should have won this game. We should have won (Sunday) night in Phoenix.  We can’t be experimenting [with lineups] in Game 63.”

That last quote actually led to a meeting with Danny Ainge:
“I talk with Isaiah about becoming a better leader, and I think he can and will develop into one,” said Ainge.
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/isaiah-thomas-met-with-danny-ainge-after-criticizing-brad-stevens-for-experimenting/

I don't get your point

like i stated, IT4 was never given the C ..even your quote above, Danny stated "he can develop into one"...  he may have thought he was the head honcho.  It was a young team and he was one of the vets along with Crowder, Horford etc. But he was also making 6 million dollars per season and in similar situation as many of the players in the locker room.  Al Horford, if anything was probably the "leader",  the guy who kept the group together

Kyrie was never given the C either. That's my point. IT was excused for the same things people want to run Kyrie out of town for. It's hypocritical.

Everything you just said excusing IT, could apply to Kyrie (except for the salary, and even then he's not the highest paid player on the team).

I have been banging this drum for 2 seasons, it just doesn't land with people who just don't like kyrie but loved IT. It's as though they covered their eyes and plugged their ears when IT talked. I have commented and put up videos in the past (both b4 and after the trade), I guess it isn't real if it's someone you like.

[zeitgeist49]

Three weeks ago I predicted the Celts had a 10% chance of signing Irving. Now, I would say the Celtics have a 1% chance of signing him. Homerism is fairly common in sports blogs/forums. This forum is no exception. It amazes me how many Boston fans still think Irving will sign with Boston. I just hope Danny formulated plans B,C, D and E, b/c plan A has vanished (ie. signing Irving and trading for AD ). I believed all along that we could be contenders, even without Irving, if we were patient, let the young players develop and obtained a big on the level of Nurkic or Vuvecic to pair with Horford. I believe that Haywood will return to his old self next year and Williams will be a significant contributor next year.

[Monkhouse]

Three weeks ago I predicted the Celts had a 10% chance of signing Irving. Now, I would say the Celtics have a 1% chance of signing him. Homerism is fairly common in sports blogs/forums. This forum is no exception. It amazes me how many Boston fans still think Irving will sign with Boston. I just hope Danny formulated plans B,C, D and E, b/c plan A has vanished (ie. signing Irving and trading for AD ). I believed all along that we could be contenders, even without Irving, if we were patient, let the young players develop and obtained a big on the level of Nurkic or Vuvecic to pair with Horford. I believe that Haywood will return to his old self next year and Williams will be a significant contributor next year.

You talk about us homering, and yet based on your post history, it's clear that you don't like Irving. So your opinion is biased, so I guess we'll leave it at that.