But we’ve never seen Irving in that role, and that is the variable that will ... decide how this trade works — or doesn’t. Irving was a second option with James. Before that, the Cavs were a disaster when led by Irving in the first three seasons of his career. Cleveland won only 78 games total, cycled through three coaches and were most noted for the behind-the-scenes in-fighting between Irving and former Cav Dion Waiters.
During his collegiate career at Duke, of course, Irving played just [url=http://www.nikeeaglesjerseysshop.com/brian-dawkins-jersey-for-sale-c-54.htm... Dawkins Womens Jersey eight games to start the year and three to end it while coming back from a toe injury. Irving was an Olympian last summer, and though he was solid throughout (11.4 points per game), he was well down on the list of leaders on that team.
That’s the gamble the Celtics are taking here. Yes, Irving is three years younger and is not scheduled to be a big-money free agent next season, as Thomas is (Irving can hit the market the following year). But Irving has always come across as a Joe Pavelski Womens Jersey detached star. He’s never been the rally-around guy that Thomas has been in his time in Boston. It’s hard to imagine him suddenly developing that.
Dealing Crowder gives up some of the Celtics’ present identity. Just as bad: Losing beloved guard Avery Bradley in a trade to Detroit earlier this summer.
That’s tough to swallow, considering Bradley, Crowder and [img]http://www.texansonlineofficialstore.com/images/products/nike_nfl_jerseys/n... Thomas (who will make a combined $22 million next season) thrived off the fact that they were undervalued around the league, and drew fan http://... love because of it.
But this was more than just a matter of losing some heart-and-soul players for a talent increase. Boston coughed up some future chunks, too, by trading next year’s Nets unprotected pick — likely a top-three choice in a talented and top-heavy draft — as well as rookie big man Ante Zizic.
The Celtics added Gordon Hayward this summer after signing Al Horford last year, and [url=http://www.authenticsanjosesharks.com/authentic-joe-thornton-jersey]Joe Thornton Authentic Jersey they have two obvious young building blocks in last year’s No. 3 pick, Jaylen Brown, and this year’s No. 3 pick, Jayson Tatum. They could still have a top-five pick next year, if the Lakers finish with one of picks No. 2-5.
But Irving, Hayward and Horford are all excellent complementary pieces — there isn’t a full-throated leader among them. Maybe Irving can be a top guy with a fresh start in Boston. But that’s uncertain. The Celtics did get the best player here, the question is, did they get any better?