Boston Celtics: Kyrie Irving is figuring it out in Boston

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 4: Kyrie Irving
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 4: Kyrie Irving /
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When the Boston Celtics traded for Kyrie Irving, it was said that there’s so much more to his talent we haven’t seen yet.  Looks like he’s slowly starting to show us what else he can do.

It’s a weird headline, right?  I mean, it’s Kyrie Irving.  NBA champion, All-Star game MVP, No.1 overall pick.  We’ve been hearing a lot about other parts of Kyrie’s game that could be ‘unlocked’ under Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens.

I’ve said it before, Kyrie is a better passer than we saw in Cleveland.  We’re slowly beginning to really see what Irving can do without LeBron hanging over him.

It’s a small sample size, but the past two games Kyrie Irving has put up near triple-doubles.  As the Celtics find their groove again, their point guard seems to have hit a different stride.  I watched him against the Cavs, and he’s figured out how to break traps.  I think we’re really starting to see his baskeball IQ.

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Against his former team, Irving put up 11 points, nine rebounds and six assists.  He really seems comfortable with his teammates, and knows where they’re going to be.

Friday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Irving had 16 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.  He seemed out of rhythm scoring wise, but again, he’s becoming a much better floor general.  However, I’d like to touch upon his defense for a second.

Yeah, you read that right

Strictly by an eye test, he’s definitely gotten better.  I’ve seen Kyrie stick with guys on defense when he wouldn’t have earlier in the season.  Listen, Irving doesn’t have to be Defensive Player of the Year, but even a slight improvement is good news for the Boston Celtics.

I think as the season goes, we’re going to see so much more out of Irving.  Oh, and eventually that Gordon Hayward dude is going to come back.

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You know.  All-Star, $128 million dollar man.  Whenever he comes back, the game will just get easier for Kyrie, and we’ll really be in for a treat.