These two have a small history of butting heads this season. Irving recently has criticized Celts method/defense/CBS in the way they were guarding Kemba Walker.... maybe something "clicks" come playoff time, but not optimistic about it
IF after this season Irving hints that he can't stay if CBS does.... who would you choose to keep??
- Coach Stevens - The team has made the ECF twice under his watch recently. The problem is that he has been that "one player" short each time. OR regardless, maybe he doesn't know how to seal the deal. Happened coaching Butler twice also. This seasons turmoil/rocky season also makes you wonder about his ability to deal with egos/dressing room
- Kyrie Irving - He has won a championship and has been it to the finals on multiple occasions. But was he mainly the passenger or a key player in those runs? Last season a Kyrieless Cavs also were able to the make the finals. Irving wants to be the main attraction on the team (offense) and has on several occasions suggested that Robert Williams get more mins, for defensive help/guessing to bail him out at times.
IF CBS is the one to stay, Celtics must rely on Hayward, Tatum, Brown, Rozier (probably resigned), Smart to assist the help to try to make it to the finals
IF Irving is the one to stay, a new coach is hired (one that is more compatible with Irving), Celts go all in for Davis (even if it takes a ton - Tatum + Brown) and round out the roster by trading for/signing guys like Ariza, PJ Tucker type super role players. Start looking more and more like the Houston Rockets/OKC Thunder