Report: Kyrie Irving ‘detached’ from Celtics
By Matt McCarthy, 985TheSportsHub.com
Kyrie Irving has grown “disengaged and detached” from the Celtics, according to a new report in the wake of Sunday’s loss to the Houston Rockets.
Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer wrote a piece detailing some of the reported issues behind the scenes with the Green, with a major focus on Kyrie Irving’s attitude toward the Celtics, his teammates, and his future.
“These days, Irving plays lackadaisical defense, and unfocused offense. Sources around the team told me that Irving’s persona has changed, too: He’s become disengaged and detached from those around the team,” O’Connor wrote.
Irving has reportedly isolated himself from teammates, with Jayson Tatum being the only player he remains friendly with.
“There is talk that Irving’s friendships on the team start and end with Tatum, with whom he shares an agent,” O’Connor said.
CANTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 24: From left, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward talk together during a photoshoot on Boston Celtics Media Day. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
According to O’Connor, Irving’s attitude began changing about a month ago, following his infamous press conference in New York on February 1 when he said he “didn’t owe anybody [crap]”
“Two sources peg Irving’s change in demeanor to early February, around the time he was asked about the possibility of joining the New York Knicks next season,” O’Connor reported. “Irving has grown increasingly frustrated with the intense media coverage of his future decision, and the state of the team.”
The Celtics are 1-5 since the All-Star break, and it won’t get any easier for them in the foreseeable future. The Green kick off a west coast road trip Tuesday night against the Golden State Warriors.
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