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Boston Harbor to the Big Apple?

If you’ve never been, New England weather is crazy. Multiple blizzards in a week, snow showers in April, and trade winds all year. You can’t Google a sports team around here and not see a headline surrounding controversy, especially lately. Recently, Kyrie Irving’s name has come up as speculation that he may leave TD Garden for Madison Square’s next year with his upcoming pending free agency.

There’s been reported concern, said Chris Mannix of Yahoo Sports/NBC Sports Boston on Thursday during his podcast, that the New York Knicks are a ‘real threat’. And it holds weight. Not only had Uncle Drew openly stated desire to break ankles in front of Spike Lee, but he’s been non-committal to Danny and the gang, which doesn’t always appease Ainge. You thought this year was funky? The fun hasn’t even started for Boston. For now, let’s examine some reasons Kyrie could be playing with a unicorn instead of a leprechaun.

The Grass Isn’t Always ‘Greener’

From the time Kyrie hit the court in Boston, he dazzled the crowd with shifty ball handling and magican-like passing. Scoring at a high level with 24.4 PPG, he’s the prototype PG you’d want on your team. Never selfish and always supportive, he proved himself the leader he sought to be when he forced his way from LeBron’s shadow in Cleavland. That shadow has seemed to eclipse what the Celtics had accomplished all year, and Kyrie’s future with a team, once again though.

Having ‘witnessed’ LBJ suffer a sweep in quest for #4 last night, and with a third decision coming for who he will play with next, Boston was cited as a team that James said he would be looking to “have a conversion” with. That’s not really a good thing if you’re Kyrie Irving. It touches on the underlying distaste Kyrie has for James. Adding LBJ to a team Irving made his own would unequivocally demolish the relationship he formed with Celtics brass.

Let’s not forget, Kyrie never wanted to play with LeBron in the first place. At the time when he signed a max deal in Cleveland, he was under the impression the Cavs were trying to build around him. Reported by ESPNs Brian Windhorst, it was said KI wanted out of Cleavland – for years. He especially didn’t want to be second banana to James. He was also tired of the lectures and drama that came with being his teammate. It’s just something Kyrie never signed up for. Why would Danny consider meeting with LeBron knowing the life Kyrie came from? Even the possibility of James coming to Boston could be enough for Irving to go where he really wants to play, for the New York Knicks.

Kyrie Irving “very badly” wants to be a Knick, he “wants to come home”

When rumors hit the internet, it leaves open an endless discussion of what if’s and how so’s. A breeding ground for trade scenarios and a platform for fans to express their hatred or likeness for one move or another. Enter Celtics fans. For months, it’s been speculated what Boston might do with Smart, Rozier, Horford, Brown, Lucky the Leprechaun, and the janitor who sweeps the court. Enter Kyrie. True, rumors are just that, but when a player outwardly expresses a desire to join a team (ex. Carmelo Anthony, Paul George?), you have to take it as truth. Players sign with who they want and for their reasons. Boston has important choices to make that would either continue their path to glory or slow the process. Enter Danny Ainge.

There was open conversation back when DA robbed the state of Ohio that Kyrie originally wanted to play for the Knicks. ESPNs Pablo Torre reported on ‘First Take’ last year that Kyrie “very badly wants to play for New York .. wants to come home” Why? A franchise that’s ended the careers of endless players, it’s team you went to die (i.e. also Melo). The players that go to New York seem to never be the same. Why in the world would Kyrie want to go there? Because it’s not that anymore.

Sure, the Knicks have been the laughing-stock of the NBA, but who hasn’t? With Kristaps Porzingis, aka the Unicorn, jumping over rainbows and defenders, the Knicks seemingly have some things cooking at MSG now with the hire of David Fizdale and a top-10 draft pick. Kyrie wants to be apart of that. And Boston is a lot further to New Jersey, Irving’s hometown, than Manhattan. New York is the place where the heart of basketball resides, and the orange is in Kyrie’s blood. Fifty major sports teams championships to 35 instead a bad touch, either.

Doesn’t he have all that in Boston, minus being only a little further from home and a few less rings? Can’t Irving help increase that number? Sure, but the NBA is an unforgiving mistress. Just ask IT. A business over all, Danny has things to think about in search of banner #18. Smart wants to come back, LeBron wants to find an easier way to a championship, and Kyrie’s knee is on its last legs (pun intended). Brown and Tatum are the future, and who better to mold both than Tatum’s idol, LBJ.

Trading Irving would rid a contract and make room for LeBron. It’s unlikely, but we’ve seen Danny pull rabbits out of hats before. Plus, DA isn’t fond of injuries or players who suffer from them, something Kyrie has a history of. He also took a page out of Belichick’s book and sheds players who speak loudly or are non-committal. Below is quote from today that shows Kyrie dodging a question on his future with the Celtics. He did this same sort of thing before leaving Cleveland. Remember when IT wanted the Brinks truck? That quickly turned into the ambulance. Kyrie says all the right things, but does he mean them?

Doesn’t know his astrology but knows where, and who, he wants to play with

In Kyrie’s mind, LeBron is the Joker to his Batman, the Earth is flat, and he wants to play in New York. The potential for NY getting back to being the ‘Mecca’ is premature, but adding a player who already wants to play for you in Kyrie could make him something of a ‘prophet’. Plus, the New York market for a 25-year-old with a sneaker line could have Kyrie seeing a different kind of green.

Kyrie has always wanted to be the one of, if not the main focal point for his team. With the emergence of young talent Boston’s been able to produce and Hayward coming off injury, would it be plausible to assume Kyrie might take a smidge of a backseat? He also wants no part of an LBJ reunion. In New York, he’d be top dog alongside Porzingis in a PG heavy, dish and drive Fizdale offense. Something Kyrie made an All-Star career out of. Check out this headline back in February, around the time KP suffered his season ending knee injury.

Point of interests, New York would have the money to sign Kyrie come 2019. They may also have a well established core in Frank Ntlikina and Emmanuel Mudiay, tied with a strong draft and free agency. That could be enticing enough to suit up in front Walt Frazier nightly. For now, as it’s been, this is speculation. And who knows, Kyrie also mentioned he wanted to join the Spurs, Timberwolves and Heat. They could also be on the radar but don’t look to deep into that. His shot total would see a hike if with NY. It might decrease with Boston at full strength, and so would his PPG. Again, Kyrie wants to be alpha of the group. With the pups in Boston growing into the big dogs, where would that leave room for Kyrie in an already Jayson Tatum/Jaylen Brown fan mindset?

Say ‘Uncle’

Earlier this morning when @SopanDeb tweeted, reports of “real fear” within the Celtics organization regarding Kyrie and his open desire to play in New York were alive. With the Celtics needing minimal roster improvements and the face of the franchise hating your biggest free agent target, what will Boston do that keeps Irving in the South Shore? Rather, what will Irving do to force DA to choose; the NBA’s prodigal son, or its Heavily Father?

Danny has the basketball mind of legends, with tales of his roster moves heard far and wide. Alas, heard just as wide are his exiles. Kyrie isn’t a stranger though to his own general manager moves, forcing a trade within days of the story breaking from a winning Cleveland team. A player of his caliber could certainly demand it, as he’s crossed up defenders on his way to a five-time All-Star and NBA Champion career so far. All while still taking you to the hole and finishing off glass. He has leverage, especially since helping Boston to a #2 seed in the East.

Not an easy one for DA, and might sting more than most former moves for Boston fans if he’s traded or goes elsewhere. It might hurt a little more if he leaves willingly to a divisional team like the Knicks, being in the same conference as well. Could KI be in NY sooner than he know it? The writing seems to be on the wall, so let’s get Ainge on board to NOT book a flight for LeBron to TF Green anytime soon. Kyrie is too valuable at his position, and Boston doesn’t have a Kyrie Irving talent in the wings. The C’s are on the brink of bringing back that ‘dynasty’ reputation but have their plate full with question marks. If Kyrie decides New York’s pizza is better than Boston’s, he could leave Boston hungry. Bon appetite.

Please make sure to follow me on Twitter @JaxBrown725

LeBron James Free Agency Preview

Regarded and self-identified as the “best player in the world”, LeBron James has yet another ‘decision’ to make this summer. With the Golden State Warriors one game away from dropping him to 3-6 in the Finals, James could possibly be looking to take his talents, again, somewhere else. After a 2018 Finals run for the King and all his men, LBJ is presenting beat, worn down, and plain tired of carrying a majority of the load.

By now, we all know the name and what he brings, so why wouldn’t the Celtics try to make a run at him right? The dynamic would be interesting, but it could also be forever damaging. Danny, if you’re reading this, for the love of Larry Bird do not consider this move. The case for having LeBron on your team is hard to dispute. However, there’s better reason to keep the King in a far away land that goes deeper than stats. Here’s why:

Image result for lebron james celtics

Style and Grace

Over the years, Boston basketball has transformed from a slow-paced, give Paul Pierce the ball and move, to the run and gun, high-flying showcase we see today. Maneuvering with an up-tempo style and constant ball movement, it’s somethingRelated image LBJ is almost unstoppable at when he has room in the paint. Aside from a Tatum throw-down or a Brown slash to the hoop, Boston’s ability to get to the rim outside of Kyrie has been close to non-existent. They’ve relied mostly on long bombs and mid range shots. No one gets to the hole like LBJ. Stylistically, the fit would ironically work.

However, the Celtics have two gems in Tatum and Brown, plus Hayward being another piece to the Celtics’ puzzle. Having the ability to also slash and drive, prepare to sometimes watch him put dudes on a poster if he’s not splashing a three in your face. With that said, Boston doesn’t have a need for an elite SF, and the minutes LeBron would own (38 MPG), would deplete the development of Tatum and Brown. This could possibly make Hayward obsolete as well.

Positionally, LeBron would hinder the Celtics’ growth along with minimizing the true potential for this particular team. He would command a majority of the ball handling and shot taking, something he took away from Kyrie in Cleveland.

The Celtics have a GOOD THING right now with their roster. Also, and most importantly, Boston does not have anywhere close to the finances to afford LeBron James.

To make it even worth discussing, Boston would have to trade two out of the three contracts in G.H./K.I./A.H. to possibly make room for him. Also, and without a doubt, the C’s would have to break up the young core AND give up draft picks should LBJ agree to a sign a trade. He’s worth it, but not for this team. Potentially, this could rank right up there with the Boston Tea Party as a historical event that would change the face of Boston forever.

“A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people”

I bet Gandhi didn’t know he’d be referencing the Boston Celtics with that quote above. Still, it holds true. Culturally, LeBron would be an awful fit for the guys in green. Boston already has established leaders, one of which whom left Cleveland to rid Lebron’s shadow and lead his own squad.  Concern and frustration with Danny Ainge would ignite riots on the streets of Boston.

Also, and probably most pronounced, the guy leading this team dislikes James like the plague. Usually the high-road kind of guy, Irving would never tell us that he has a genuine distaste for LBJ. But could it be more obvious? Not only did he silence his way out of a winning situation in Cleveland, he was sick of being second to James and his ego.

It’s expected that Irving wouldn’t be fine moving back to the backseat to James yet again. The C’s even meeting with LBJ could raise some eyebrows and be harming to No. 11’s relationship, with the likelihood of becoming a free-agent himself next year. Boston has too great a situation with Kyrie as their leader. LeBron’s barely showed he can lead a team himself. Let’s not forget, if not for Kyrie or Ray Allen, the “King” would be 2-6 in the Finals. That’s pretty important, and a testament to LeBron’s reliance of those getting him a get out of jail free card.

LBJ has a history of problems with his coaches, and player. Enter zone Zero Dark Thirty

Brad Stevens, despite the lack of props from his peers, has emerged as one of the NBA’s best coaches. Not one for showing emotion all the time, Stevens has set himself apart as a coaching savant in the face of adversity. He was the driving force behind late game defensive shifts and play calling that would mimic the Rockets or Warriors. His leadership also allowed a short-handed Boston a run into the ECF. Still, Stevens is a no BS guy. James trying to side comment or question Stevens, someone who’s praised James, wouldn’t let it happen in Boston. With Erik Spoelstra, David Blatt, Mike Brown, Tyronn Lue and Paul Silas taking the LBJ heat, Boston’s locker room seemingly has too much respect for Stevens to join the LeBron Side Show.

Try imagining LBJ holding Ainge hostage like he did with Dan Gilbert. Being a regular with highway robbery, it would be laughable to see LBJ upset with his situation and try forcing trading away a whole team. Keep in mind, ’twas King GM who suggested J.R. Smith get his money, and had a say in the moves to “bring every hurt, former All-Star in” approach last off-season. Besides that, he was solely the catalyst who drove one of the best young NBA players in today’s game far, far away.

The Celtics are too solidified to acquire by a 33-year-old individualist, and the synergy for Boston wouldn’t work. Fans would absolutely lose their minds. Great player? Sure. Good for Boston? Definitely not.

What if things weren’t in favor of LBJ? Would he stop speaking to Smart because he can’t hit a shot? Would he point and display his crying face to Baynes if keeps getting dunked on? Truthfully, they’d be gone in a day in Cleveland. Hell, if not for it being the Finals, so would J.R. Smith. Usually one to go off the grid during the playoffs, LeBron has a tendency to “shut out” players he’s not fond of, even if they play on the same team. It’ll be surprising to see Lue on the sidelines for Cleveland if LBJ is back next year, and less likely if they get swept should he have a say as the player-coach-president he tries to be.

Fools Gold

When you’re king, you get draped in gold. Crowns, clothing, but most importantly rings. Yes, LBJ has three, but two of them were won by others. Two of them came from last second shots from players who’s bailed him out of poor play and faulty execution. Of course, LBJ lovers wont see it that way, but facts are facts. Truth is, ANY team that acquires LeBron is agreeing to sell not only their soul to get him, but sacrificing any chance for a future of a franchise. Sure, said team will ride that train for a while, but they’ll inevitably come crashing down years later having to rebuild from scraps. Danny is in “if it’s not broke why fix it” mode, and most likely wouldn’t sacrifice the structure he’s put in place for a LeBron James. It just doesn’t seem like something that would really fit in Boston.

If any NBA Finals proved to be a LeBron stopper, it’s this one. Yes, Golden State has potentially two HOF’s in Curry and Durant, and maybe even three with Klay Thompson. This series showed that LeBron is human. His teammates haven’t been the best statistically, but he did have a hand in picking them at one point. And the dude can’t keep or be agreeable with a coach to save his life. Something also doesn’t yell out “team” when you say things like ‘I feel confident because I’m the best player in the world’, and still lose in the finals. In fact, he would still be win-less in the Finals since that quote if not for Kyrie Irving. Best player in the world? Mmm.

All Hail the King?

Aside from being soft, Boston has also been one of LBJ’s main foes during his career. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a team that’s been the close to cracking the LeBron James code, especially one sometimes not full strength. This could be a case of if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. Something that’s been LeBron’s m.o. in search of more championships. More likely though, it’s closer to a “Thanks, but no thanks” scenario. For now, LBJ sits high on Cleveland throne, but it’s becoming lonely with no prince to take his place. So before history repeats itself, and he has a chance to live out his best King Richard III impression, it’d be wise to keep LeBron out of Boston’s castle towers.Image result for lebron james celtics td garden

Please make sure to follow me on Twitter @JaxBrown725