BOSTON -- Kyrie Irving was among those looking on with admiration as Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade accepted framed All-Star jerseys on Sunday in what will likely be the last time either suits up for such a game.
Irving also took joy in seeing Brooklyn’s D’Angelo Russell, Philadelphia’s Ben Simmons and Milwaukee’s Khris Middleton soaking in the first of what will likely be multiple All-Star appearances.
Having that awareness of his All-Star surroundings was a reminder of sorts as to the career crossroads that Irving finds himself at presently.
He will be 27 years old next month and while far from the end of his career like Nowitzki and Wade, Irving is no longer considered part of the up-and-coming youth movement of the NBA but instead is a proven, well-established veteran.
“It’s gone by so fast. The vets told me it was going to go by really fast,” Irving said. “I’m in my eighth year, it’s my sixth All-Star game. It’s gone by quick.”
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Which makes the time spent during All-Star Weekend all that more significant to him.
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“The point I am in my career, just appreciating it a lot more,” Irving said. “Young guys are going to be the future of the league and here I am, watching D-Wade and Dirk getting retired from the All-Star game … I’ll be there one day.”
But that day won’t be for a while.
Until then, Irving will continue to seek out ways to get better and lead the Celtics into what will be a challenging stretch of play to close out the regular season.
Currently fourth in the East, Boston (37-21) opens the post All-Star break portion of the schedule with a road game at East-leading Milwaukee on Thursday.
It is a fitting opening game considering how difficult things are likely to be for Boston between now and the playoffs.
According to tankathon.com, the Celtics have the sixth-toughest remaining schedule in the NBA.
And for Boston to find success through what will be a formidable stretch to close out the season, Irving’s play and presence will be key.
He’s averaging 23.6 points per game along with 6.9 assists and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 49.8 percent from the field and 40.9 percent from 3-point range.
He is the only player in the NBA averaging at least 23 points and six assists while shooting better than 40 percent on 3’s.
Irving is also one of the more productive players in the league, a league that he recognizes is only going to get younger.
“The realization is, KD (Kevin Durant), Steph (Curry), they’re 30 and I’m right on their heels,” Irving said. “I’m turning 27 next month. And you got Joel (Embiid), and obviously Ben (Simmons), young guys, D-Lo (D’Angelo Russell), those guys are going to be the future of our league, consecutive All-Star Games, of All-Star teams. And I’m going to be right there with them, but I’m going to be that guy like LeBron, you know that … he’s the captain but we all know he’s put in an unbelievable body of work and we all respect who he is. And those guys are trying to get to that point, just like I am trying to get to that point to fulfill a legacy for myself in this league.”
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