Kyrie Irving, currently a guard for the Dallas Mavericks, recently shared his thoughts about his two seasons spent with the Boston Celtics. Despite a turbulent exit when he left the Celtics for the Brooklyn Nets in free agency, Irving expressed no bitterness toward the franchise or its fans. During a live conversation with Celtics star Jaylen Brown, he described wearing the Boston uniform as “the opportunity of a lifetime,” emphasizing how meaningful that period was to him personally and professionally.
Irving’s Initial Excitement Joining Boston
Irving recalled the excitement he felt upon joining Boston, partially because of his family ties to the city. Both his father and mother attended schools nearby—his dad’s school was just up the street, and his mother graduated from Boston University. This personal connection made the move feel right to him as he started playing alongside Brown and other rising Celtics talents.
It was when I first got there, bro … like, it was so exciting,
Irving said.
My dad had gone to school right up the street. My mom graduated from [Boston University] as well, so it felt right, you know, just going there, being able to go with you guys.
—Kyrie Irving
Trade Background and Team Context
Irving was traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Celtics after the 2016-17 season in a deal that involved three players and a first-round pick sent to Brooklyn. At the time, former Celtics general manager Danny Ainge commented that acquiring Irving fit the team’s timeline in its championship pursuit. Although the Celtics clinched the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA title in 2024, this achievement came five years after Irving’s departure from Boston.
During the 2017-18 season, Irving became the standout player on a roster full of promising talent, including Jaylen Brown, rookie Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart, Al Horford, and Gordon Hayward. His role was crucial as the Celtics aimed to compete at the highest level.
Challenges and Growth While Playing With Celtics Stars
On the livestream with Brown, Irving admitted that moving from Cleveland to Boston was a much-needed change that challenged him. Surrounded by talented teammates who pushed him every day, he quickly embraced the new environment and competition.
To be on the floor with that much talent after being in Cleveland … I needed that change of pace,
Irving told Brown.
You guys were challenging me every day, and I needed that. I needed that for sure. So, first getting there, the excitement, being able to put on the Boston Celtics uniform, that was crazy.
—Kyrie Irving
Current Status and Future Outlook with the Dallas Mavericks
As Irving embarks on his 15th NBA season, he is recovering from a knee injury and remains uncertain about his return timeline. The Dallas Mavericks are hopeful he can resume playing within approximately ten months, possibly by January. However, Irving has stated he will prioritize being fully ready over rushing back to the court.
It doesn’t mean that I won’t be back. It’s just, I don’t want to make any predictions on when I’m going to be back,
he said.
I just want to be back 150,000% better. So I’m taking my time right now to really get healthy. I’m taking my time to really get my body right, other portions of my body right and really just enjoy this recovery process.
—Kyrie Irving
Career Achievements and Legacy
Selected as a first-round pick out of Duke University, Kyrie Irving has established himself as one of the top players in the league. Over his career, he has averaged 23.7 points and 5.6 assists per game. He earned his sole NBA championship in 2016 with the Cleveland Cavaliers during the intense seven-game Finals series against the Golden State Warriors. Irving’s journey continues as he focuses on recovery with the aim of returning stronger for the Mavericks.
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