NBA: ‘Special’ Kyrie Irving to be a better playmaker with Celtics, GM Ainge says
Kyrie Irving (2). AP
There’s no question that recently acquired Boston Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving is one of the NBA’s brightest young stars.
Although his talent on the hardwood is exemplary, pundits are questioning how he’ll fit with coach Brad Stevens’ system, now that he’ll be the No. 1 option on offense each given night.
But as as far as Celtics General Manager and President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge is concerned, the 25-year-old superstar will fit just right in Beantown and prosper even more under a new system, particularly with his play-making skills.
“You’ll see that he’s a better passer,” Ainge said of Kyrie in a video interview for the Celtics social media team.
Danny Ainge calls Kyrie Irving “special” and explains his vision of the blockbuster trade that acquired the All-Star point guard. pic.twitter.com/xlwsKvBgNl
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) September 5, 2017
“I think people that watch Kyrie play a lot can see his passing and his potential there as a passer. LeBron was pretty much the point guard in Cleveland and Kyrie was a point guard often when LeBron wasn’t on the court. I think that he’s a fantastic passer and I think that defensively he’s got to improve and I think he will in Brad’s system.”
In his first six seasons with the Cavaliers, Irving averaged a modest 5.5 assists per game, which the 58-year-old executive believes woill go higher in Boston.
Although he will no longer have the luxury of playing alongside LeBron James, Ainge adds that his pick-and-roll prowess will be showcased more with new teammates Al Horford commanding the block and Gordon Hayward manning the wings. Khristian Ibarrola /ra
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