Brad Stevens Comments on Kyrie Irving's Decision to Leave Boston
By Scott Rogust
The Kyrie Irving era with the Boston Celtics came to an end after just two seasons, with no Larry O'Brien Trophy to show for it. Once Boston was eliminated from the NBA Playoffs, Irving moved on towards free agency, ultimately signing with the Brooklyn Nets.
When asked about his former star point guard bolting for Brooklyn, head coach Brad Stevens had no hard feelings about the move and wishes him future success, crediting Irving's right to do what he wants to.
Brad Stevens on Kyrie Irving: “I don’t fault him one bit for choosing to follow whatever he wants to do. That’s his right.”
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) July 9, 2019
“I enjoyed Kyrie, I like Kyrie and I wish him nothing but health and success.”
One of the main takeaways from Irving's departure was his reported "ghosting" of the Celtics weeks after they were eliminated by the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. The writing was on the wall ever since Irving declined his $21.3 million player option with the Celtics.
When asked whether he had any form of communication after the season, Stevens responded honestly with "not a ton."
Brad Stevens on his level of communication with Kyrie Irving after the season ended: “Not a ton. Not a ton after the season.”
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) July 9, 2019
While Boston lost Irving as their starting point guard, they received an equally serviceable replacement in Kemba Walker, who the team acquired in a sign-and-trade with the Charlotte Hornets.
Even though the Celtics failed to live up to the lofty expectations after trading for Kyrie in the summer of 2017, Brad Stevens harbors no ill will towards him.