Danny Ainge has a strong opinion on Kyrie Irving potentially getting booed in his return to Boston
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Kyrie Irving will hear some boos when he returns to Boston in a Nets uniform. It’s just inevitable. The question is how loud they will be and how many fans will partake.
Unfortunately for Danny Ainge, he’s going to have to sit through those boos. But he doesn’t have to like it. The Celtics president of basketball operations told Toucher & Rich in his weekly interview on Thursday that he’d be disappointed if and when fans boo Irving next Wednesday when the Nets come to TD Garden, especially if it comes after a a tribute video from the team.
“I think that’s a sad commentary,” said Ainge. “But I understand it, because I know there’s been a lot of negative attention. I understand all that. I just think that’s a bad conclusion to come to. I think that’s not really fair.”
Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets reacts during the second half of their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Barclays Center on October 23, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Ainge also said he’s not sure if the Celtics will have a tribute video for Irving in the first place, but said “Sure” when asked if he should have one. He maintains his stance that Irving shouldn’t have shouldered as much blame as he did for the Celtics’ problems last season.
“It was a very good situation with Kyrie,” said Ainge. “Kyrie was in a good place and things were looking good for a year and a half, and it went sour. And you’ve heard me say this, but he’s blamed for a lot of the sour last year and I think it’s much, much bigger than that.
“I don’t have any grudges against Kyrie. I’m grateful that he gave us a chance, and it didn’t work out. It wasn’t his fault it didn’t work out, it was a lot of people’s fault, including my own.”
Listen below for the full interview with Ainge. The Kyrie Irving questions begin at the 4:42 mark.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at [email protected].
