Kyrie Irving refers to Celtics as ‘cult’ in latest press conference
Kyrie Irving just can’t help but make himself the villain in Boston.
In his most recent press conference, the former Celtics guard painted a nefarious picture of what it’s like to play for the team currently up 3-1 in the NBA Finals, the one with 17 NBA championship banners, the one that seemingly has a roster full of happy, hard-working players. Irving has said that he had personal issues of his own, and has said things that imply that it was more a him problem than a Celtics problem.
But then, he goes and uses the word “cult” to describe the Celtics organization, the culture around them, and the fans that root for them. It’s unclear if Irving actually meant “culture” – he recently said “consolidate” when he appeared to mean “compartmentalize” – so, someone who pontificates and bloviates as much as he does is bound to misspeak at some point.
However, based on how Irving went on to explain what he meant, it sure sounded like he meant to call the Celtics a straight-up cult.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 06: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game One of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 06, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
“When I look back, getting traded here, it wasn’t one of my options,” Irving said after Mavericks practice on Sunday. “It wasn’t like No. 1 on my list. So when the trade opportunity got approached to me, instead of going back and appreciating the Celtics’ history, I just came in with an open mind and just kind of like, all right, I’m just going to go with the flow into this. But I think that was the wrong approach. Just being young.
“Now being older with hindsight looking back, I definitely would have taken time to know the people in the community and talked to some of the champions that have come before me and actually extend myself to them instead of the other way around, expecting them to be there giving me advice. Because they have been through this. They have championship pedigree here. They have shown it for years. They are one of the most winningest franchises in all of sports.”
OK. So far, not so bad.
“So you have to show your respect here,” Irving continued. “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. 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.
“I’m one of the people that’s on the outs (laughing). I’m perfectly fine with that, you know what I mean. I did it to myself. They don’t welcome me with a warm embrace, even though I know a lot of people in the organization and I’m friends still with some of them. But, yeah, doing it to myself. And that’s what I was talking about in terms of accepting the choices. But looking back, I would have shown my respect and have more of a council around me from some of the Boston Celtics that came before me to explain what the pressure is like.”
It’s funny. The Celtics’ current guard group doesn’t seem to have much trouble with the pressure. They haven’t really needed a “council” around them, like they’re a young Padawan working toward becoming a Jedi. And they haven’t really had to “buy into everything Celtics,” either. It ain’t that serious.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 05: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks speaks to the media during the 2024 NBA Finals Media Day at TD Garden on June 05, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Irving does not seem to realize that he, himself, personally, could not handle the pressure and scrutiny that comes with playing here. Possibly because he pays too much attention to it, in the first place. All the guy needed to do was win at the highest level and be a good teammate. He was neither. By the end, anyway.
What Irving either doesn’t understand or chooses to bury deep in the recesses of his convoluted mind is that he’s not hated by a large portion of the fans because he didn’t “buy into” the “cult.” He’s hated because he went back on his word from season-ticket holders, got caught red-handed recruiting Kevin Durant with himself to Brooklyn, skipped out on his teammates at the end of a deep playoff run, and called ‘Bron to complain about them.
Came up short on the court, disrespected his young teammates off the court. It’s truly as simple as that. It has nothing to do with this fictitious “cult” that Irving invented in his head.
MORE: Celtics blown out by Mavericks in Game 4 of NBA Finals
That’s why he’s going to continue to get booed every time he touches the ball at TD Garden. That’s why, if and when the Celtics close out this series, it will be extra-satisfying to put Irving’s team away.
Because Irving simply is what he is. Which is endlessly insufferable.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and digital content producer for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Read all of his articles here.
Mazz's Tiers: Best NBA Title teams since 1980
Tier 1
Magic Johnson Los Angeles Lakers of the 1980’s (5) Larry Bird Boston Celtics of the 1980’s – especially the 1986 team (3) Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls of the 1990’s (6 out of 8) Shaquille O’Neal Los Angeles Lakers of the early 2000’s (3) Tim Duncan San Antonio Spurs (5 from 1999-2014) Golden State Warriors of this millennium (4)
CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 08: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with the Larry O’Brien Trophy after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 108-85 to win the 2018 NBA Finals. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Tier 2
MIAMI, FL – JUNE 20: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat reacts in the third quarter while taking on the San Antonio Spurs during Game Seven of the 2013 NBA Finals at AmericanAirlines Arena on June 20, 2013 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
1983 Philadelphia 76ers – 67-15 record and 12-1 in the playoffs
1994 and 1995 Houston Rockets – Years between the Jordan Bulls
1989-1990 Detroit Pistons
LeBron James Miami Heat – (2012 and 2013)
Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers (2009 and 2010)
Tier 3
DENVER, COLORADO – JUNE 12: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets celebrates with his daughter Ognjena after a 94-89 victory against the Miami Heat in Game Five of the 2023 NBA Finals to win the NBA Championship at Ball Arena on June 12, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
2023-24 Boston Celtics (If (WHEN) they win)
2020-21 Milwaukee Bucks
2019-2020 Los Angeles Lakers (bubble)
2022-23 Denver Nuggets
2018-19 Toronto Raptors
2005-06 Miami Heat
2010-11 Dallas Mavericks
2015-16 Cleveland Cavaliers
2007-08 Boston Celtics
