BOSTON -- The clouds have been forming around the Boston Celtics for a couple weeks now, as the team so many predicted would run away with the East has been more of a rundown squad that’s barely above .500.
But the one ray of sunshine in the team’s promise for now and the future, is Kyrie Irving, who made it clear in no uncertain terms before the start of the season that he wanted to re-sign with the Celtics when he hits free agency in July.
Great.
Awesome.
Celtics fans love that idea, as does management.
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But here’s the thing about verbal commitments.
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Just like in college sports, they don’t have a whole lot of weight to them until pen meets paper and it becomes not only a goal and intention, but a certified document.
No matter how strong a verbal commitment may sound and come across, verbal commitments have to be embraced with a ginormous asterisk next to them because -- as we’ve seen before -- the best laid plans don’t always work out as anticipated.
And that is why this slow start by the Celtics while not diminishing Irving’s commitment to Boston, it certainly raises hope for other franchises -- like the one in town tonight, the New York Knicks -- who think that maybe, just maybe, Irving’s commitment to Boston isn’t quite as firm as it sounded a few weeks ago when he pledged his desire to return.
Much of Irving’s love for the Celtics is understandable when you consider where he came from (Cleveland) and what he has walked into here in Boston.
The Celtics have won more titles (17) than any other NBA franchise, and play before fans who have witnessed and embraced a basketball family that’s rich in history, success and, as we see every game, a ton of retired jerseys. And Irving has made no secret about wanting to someday see his number 11 up there with the all-time Celtic greats.
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But Irving had another motive in mind when he decided to tell the world he wanted to remain a Celtic.
He was the leader of the team, but had enough talent around him to compete at the highest levels and not necessarily be called upon to carry the team night-in and night-out. At least that's how it was last season.
Which brings us to tonight’s game, one in which the Celtics (9-8) are looking to snap a two-game losing skid as well as continue to brush back any suitors that might be coming for Irving this summer.
Because even if Irving and the Celtics were doing better than they are record-wise, interest in him would still remain relatively high this summer.
Only now, as the team struggles, you have to wonder if these tough times continue, what impact if any will they have on Irving’s stated desire to remain a Celtic and re-sign with the team in July?
During the team’s recent stretch of not-so-great performances, Irving has preached that he will remain patience with this team, re-affirming his support and faith in them to figure out whatever it is they need to figure out, and start playing better basketball as a collective unit.
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That’s important for this team to see and hear from their leader.
But if the losses continue to pile on, how, if at all, will that shape Irving’s view of this team?
It's a question the Celtics certainly felt would be moot, since they -- and everyone -- anticipated their record would be much better than it is.
With more than 60 games left on the schedule, it may eventually be moot. But they have to start winning at a higher, much higher rate than what we’ve seen thus far.
Not only does it enhance their position come playoff time, but also better ensures that their top priority in the offseason, which is re-signing Irving, gets done.
And that would provide a clear and undeniable ray of sunshine for a franchise with its sights set on bigger, better and brighter days ahead with Irving leading the way.
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