NBA News: Kyrie Irving Returns to the ‘Boardroom’ podcast to discuss the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers Championship Run
NBA Champion Kyrie Irving shared his memories during the 2016 Cleveland championship run and how it shaped him today.
On Mother’s Day, above all days to do an interview, NBA Champion Kyrie Irving returned to the ‘Boardroom’ and chat it up with co-host Eddie Gonzalez about his 2016 Cleveland championship run. To listen to the interview in its entirety, make sure to click the link below and subscribe to your iTunes or music player and listen to it from there.
Before we dive into Kyrie’s comments about his 2016 championship run with the Cavs, let’s backtrack on his recent comments ever since he got swept by the Boston Celtics in the playoffs. As of late, Kyrie has been sounding off about last season and how some people viewed him off the court. The comments Kyrie made did not seem aimed at anyone, but we can read the room and tell that it is directly at ESPN First Take host Stephen A. Smith.
The ongoing war of words between Smith and Kyrie will never stop until ‘Mr. Martyr’ commits to playing full-time from now on. For one, Kyrie mentioned “chemistry issues” that plagued the Nets’ season (his fault) and dealt with the mandate that was placed on the Nets organization. Kyrie was cut off guard with every pandemic situation possible so he can evade any vaccine that was available.
This sounds ridiculous coming from someone who wasn’t willing to take the vaccine before the season started. As the season progressed, the 11-game losing streak affected the whole team, including former teammate James Harden, who forced his way out of Brooklyn to join the Sixers. Little did we know, Harden wasn’t a fan of Kyrie’s absence and having to take on the scoring responsibilities with Kevin Durant out.
In this situation, I don’t blame Harden for leaving that drama. In all honesty, he wasn’t even fully invested with the team, to begin with. Remember during his Sixers introduction press conference, Harden said that his first choice was going to be with the Sixers. As a result, he and scoring champion Joel Embiid are fighting to advance in the Conference Finals.
On the other hand, if Harden was patient enough for Kyrie to return, the season would’ve turned out differently. Sadly, that reality didn’t materialize and the Nets season is over.
Now back to Kyrie’s interview comments.
Kyrie Irving’s Interview Gear
During his interview with co-host Eddie Gonzalez, here is what Kyrie had to say about his championship run with the Cavaliers back in 2016:
“Shout out to Cleveland on just the historical run. Our fan base was through the roof in terms of how we collectively galvanized each other — and they gave us energy, man.”
In this case, I do agree with Kyrie Irving.
During the Cavaliers’ championship run, being down 3–1 against the 73–9 team in Warriors and overcoming the odds to win the title, was special. We thought that Kyrie would’ve stayed with the team for 4 or 5 more years and created a dynasty in Cleveland. As a result, Mr. Martyr didn’t want to be behind LeBron James’ shadow and left for Boston.
Two seasons later, both he and his buddy Kevin Durant joined forces in Brooklyn in hopes to win championships. Ever since then, Kyrie has won only 7 playoff games and got swept by the Boston Celtics. Now, in the interview, Kyrie had more to say about his championship run:
“Looking back on it, I think it just was more special because of the way we did it and the circumstances that we were faced with.”
Moreover, per the Boardroom, when asked if the NBA Finals was the highest level he’s ever played at, Kyrie wasn’t so sure.
Kyrie added:
“I had to go deep within myself to bring out all of these tools that I had learned since I was learning fundamentals, and just put ’em on display on the biggest stage.”
That is what Kyrie did to win his first title.
To witness the fullness of Kyrie Irving’s championship night, you can watch it in its entirety down below for your enjoyment:
Takeaways
At the end of the day, Kyrie’s championship run with the Cavaliers was very special and should not be forgotten. It is good to reminisce memories of winning a title with a franchisee who has never won it in decades. To be a part of a team and overcome a 73–9 Warriors team speaks to the Cavaliers fortitude and perseverance.
I hope Kyrie learned from that experience for himself as he continues to mature into a great player. You have to first follow before you could lead and not allow mandates or vaccine pressure of people to control your destiny. During this time off, Kyrie should take a look in the mirror and ask himself some questions about his “commitment” to the Nets franchise going forward and how he can be a very good asset to the team.
Best of luck to him.
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