It sounds like we are having two different conversations. I have never once excused Kyrie or his behavior. I gave an explanation for it and not an excuse. You used Duncan as an example but Duncan was clearly the dominant figure in San Antonio. Sure he elevated the team concept but he was still the leader. When Duncan arrived, David Robinson had to step out of the way for him.
Kobe was a jerk but it is hard to argue that if he were less of a jerk, he’d be just as successful. It’s not an excusing of his behavior, it’s an understanding that you can’t separate the competitor from their make up. All great players get their fuel to perform from somewhere. Some from imagined slights, others from the team concept. Duncan is not Kobe. Kobe is not LeBron. LeBron is not Kyrie. For better or for worse.
