How Kyrie Irving Improves the Celtics Now and for the Future.
By: Jordan Boudreau on August 23rd, 2017

The Boston Celtics have traded Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and Nets 2018 first round pick (which the Celtics owned the rights to) for Cleveland Cavalier’s PG Kyrie Irving. Some have argued that the Celtics gave up too much, but I’ll explain how this trade improves the Celtics current and future chances for a championship.
I’ll start by comparing Kyrie Irving and Isaiah Thomas. Thomas averaged 28.9 points per game last year but was also ranked dead last defensively among players who played 15 plus minutes per game. Irving and Thomas scoring abilities are comparable, but Irving is certainly an improvement on defense. Another factor to look at is age. Thomas is 28 and Irving is 25. A three year difference doesn’t seem like much but in terms of basketball years, it is significant. Also take into consideration that Thomas is in his prime now, and in a couple seasons he will be on the decline. Irving shockingly has yet to hit his prime and if he continues to improve, the 4x all star could undoubtedly be the best point guard in the league.
The loss of Jae Crowder isn’t as big of a loss as some think. The Celtics signed Gordon Hayward this offseason, drafted Jayson Tatum, and traded for Marcus Morris, all three SFs, adding to the Celtics already crowded forward position. With Jaylen Brown and Jae Crowder, the Celtics had more than they needed. Trading Crowder prevents a chemistry problem that likely would have occurred. Crowder, who started for the Celtics in previous seasons, saw his replacement in the more skilled Hayward. Coming off the bench would not be ideal and the Celtics would also like to see their young talent of the future on the floor.
The third player the Celtics gave up was Ante Zizic. A 7'0 center from Croatia, has yet to play for the Celtics since being drafted 23rd overall in the 2016 NBA draft. Zizic is 20 years old, has shown signs of upside, often referred to as “Baby Shaq” for his ability to throw down. He is also very raw, his basketball skills are far from NBA ready, so we’ll see in time how he develops.
The Nets 2018 first round pick is projected to be top a lottery pick. Even if it is, that doesn’t guarantee an all star caliber player. Kyrie is already an all star. Another thing to consider is the moves the Nets have made this offseason. They traded for 2015 number 2 overall pick D’Angelo Russell and Timofey Mosgov in exchange for Brook Lopez. They also signed Allen Crabbe and DeMarre Carroll. I predict the Nets to be a middle of the pack team, potentially better than the Bulls, Pacers, Magic, Hawks, 76ers and Knicks. The Nets aren’t interested in tanking either, as they won’t be able to use their pick anyways.
The trade is good for both teams, but I believe the Celtics have improved the most. LeBron and Isaiah both could leave Cleveland next season while the Celtics have Irving under contract for the next two seasons. Irving is also reportedly ‘Thrilled’ to be with Celtics. Boston has a strong belief that he will be around for the long term. Irving no longer desired to play with LeBron and wanted a more prominent role. His wish was granted and now he joins a young and improving Celtics squad. Boston’s new big 3 will include Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward, and Al Horford. With Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart developing around all star players, the Celtics future looks bright. Danny Ainge’s patience has put the Celtics in excellent position to build a dynasty.
