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News, Blog and GuidesThe Dallas Mavericks star was in confrontational mood ahead of Game 5 of the NBA Finals, hitting out at his former employers.
William GittinsWillGittUpdate: Jun 17th, 2024 09:52 EDT0
MIKE LAWRIEAFP
Kyrie Irving is now a veteran of four NBA Finals series but this year’s battle holds particular significance. The Dallas Mavericks star played for the Boston Celtics for two years from 2017 to 2019 and is eager to prove himself once more against his former team.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Irving reflected on his spell with the Celtics, admitting that he struggled to buy into “the cult” of their illustrious history.
“You have to show your respect here,” Irving explained. “I think that’s what I struggled with initially, was figuring out how I’m going to be a great player here while winning championships and also leading a team and selflessly joining the Celtics’ organization or the cult that they have here.”
Kyrie Irving reflects on how he didn’t want to be traded to Boston and didn’t have the right attitude: “As a player, they expect you to buy into the Celtics pride. If you don’t, you’re going to be outed. I’m one of the people who is on the outs,” he says, laughing. pic.twitter.com/b1ehxixQhR
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzellNBA) June 16, 2024
He continued: “That’s what they expect you to do as a player. They expect you to seamlessly buy into the Celtics’ pride, buy into everything Celtics. And if you don’t, then you’ll be outed.”
When was the last time Kyrie Irving won a championship?
Now 32 years old, Irving has spent 13 years in the NBA and played for four different teams. However the eight-time NBA All-Star has only won one championship ring, as a part of the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers team.
