Wizards guard and former Celtic Isaiah Thomas believes that Kyrie Irving may not have been cut out to be the Celtics’ leader, Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News reports.
“That’s just like Boston and New York. You have to have a different type of skin to be able to succeed there,” Thomas said when asked about Irving. “They won 17 championships. They have 30 jerseys retired. So it’s expectations like you can do great but we need better and it’s always been like that. The media attention of putting on a Celtics jersey, a Knicks jersey, a Lakers jersey, those legendary teams and franchises, it’s just a little different.”
We have more from around the Eastern Conference:
- Garrett Temple got off to a hot start with the Nets but he’s cooled off considerably while playing big minutes due to injuries, Brian Lewis of the New York Post notes. In his past five games heading into Monday’s action, Temple was shooting 26.6% overall and 24.3% from deep. “Yeah, I’ve got to figure out a way to get out of this slump,” Temple said. “I’ve got to make shots for us to keep the defense honest, but also just to offensively help us have more balance.” The Nets hold a $5MM option on Temple’s contract for next season.
- Knicks guard Reggie Bullock‘s neck injury did not occur while playing, Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic reports. Bullock, who is close to returning for the Knicks after offseason surgery for cervical disk herniation, said the injury came as a surprise to him. “I didn’t get hurt in an actual game or anything,” Bullock said. “It was just something that I woke up with.” The injury cost him millions. Bullock originally agreed to a two-year, $21MM deal in free agency, then settled for a two-year, $8.2MM contract with the second year non-guaranteed.
- Sixers point guard Trey Burke believes he can play effectively with floor leader Ben Simmons, as he told the team’s website. “I think [Ben and I] play off each other pretty well,” he said. “I think I could play the two out there, and give (Josh Richardson) a break, and still be in the game with Ben.” Burke is on a one-year, $2MM contract that doesn’t fully guaranteed unless he remains on the roster through January 10.
IT doesn’t include Philly on his list of great franchises. 3 championships in entire history. They should relocate to Helena Montana
he still refers to boston as “we”
He really didn’t though
Apparently the Cavs uniform didn’t mean much to IT. Pretty mello in Carolina too.
Ben should be playing the 3 more. He can defend it well. He can post with a gd PG, run the wing. They should play Burke more.
Kyrie had the best season of his career as a Celtic so SMH IT! Anyway Boston has won only 1 ring in 34 years, 11 of their rings were won when only 13 teams played, mostly in black & white. Celtics are the past of the NBA, not the present or the future. Knicks aren’t the past, present or future. Lakers is the only franchise who systematically are always good, they represent the NBA.
That inferiority complex will do you no good, or is it that some Massachussets girl stole you of your boyfriend?
The Celtics are not the Past. They are the Future as well. What have the Bulls done without Jordan. Only the Spurs regrouped well. The Davis trade may be the curse of the Lakers. Bell and Ingram are looking really good right now.
Poor Flava. What bandwagon did you jump on this week? You started the season chirping about the Nets. How has that been going? Every time Kaylee makes a sudden stop, do you at least wash that face?
Love IT and that he still reps Boston