Kyrie Irving Compares Celtics To Religion, Warns Players About Signing With Boston

Kyrie Irving says one of his mistakes in Boston was not buying into the Celtics' unique culture, which he now knows is a non-negotiable part of joining the storied franchise.

“You have to show your respect here,” Irving said Sunday before Game 5. “I think that's what I struggled with in the beginning, I knew I was going to be the best player here when I was winning titles and leading the team. team and sacrifice by joining the Celtics organization or religion they have here. That's what they expect you to do as a player. They expect you to buy out the Celtics pride, buy into everything Celtic. And if you don't, you will be kicked out.”

Irving added that he's okay with being out.

“I'm one of those people who come out,” he said. “I'm fine with that, you know what I mean. I did it myself. They don't welcome me with warm arms even though I know many people in the organization and I am friends with some of them,” said Irving. “But, yes, I do it for myself. And that's what I was talking about about accepting decisions. But in retrospect, I would have shown respect and had a council around me from other Boston Celtics who came before me to explain to me what the pressure was like.”

Although Irving's use of the word “cult” will raise eyebrows, this seems to be his way of defending himself by disrespecting the unique situation he entered when he joined the Celtics.

Irving also warned potential Celtics players to avoid making the same mistake he did.

“If there's a player coming here, to be drafted here, thinking of coming here to get free money, to be traded here, I think you should do your homework and make sure you know where you're getting yourself into,” he said. “That's what I can give you.”

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