Mavs' Kyrie Irving Explains Struggles with Celtics 'Cult' After Trade from Cavaliers

Kyrie Irving says he never wanted to join the Boston Celtics in 2017, but he wishes he would have done a better job of integrating himself into the franchise's culture once his trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers happened.

"I think that's what I struggled with initially, was figuring out how I'm going to be a great player here, while winning championships and also leading a team and selflessly joining the Celtics' organization or the cult that they have here," Irving said Sunday.

"That's what they expect you to do as a player. They expect you to seamlessly buy into the Celtics pride. Buy into everything Celtics. If you don't, you're going to be outed. I'm one of the people who is on the outs. I did it to myself. They don't welcome me with a warm embrace."

While his use of the word "cult" will undoubtedly rankle some fans, Irving's tone seems to be one of regret with how he handled the situation. He said he wished he would have taken time to speak with past Celtics to learn about the franchise's culture and that he had the maturity to listen, rather than believing he had all the answers.

"Looking back, I would have showed my respect and had a council around me from some of the Boston Celtics that came before me to explain what the pressure is like [to play in Boston]," Irving said.

Irving played for the Celtics for two seasons from 2017 to 2019 before leaving in free agency for the Brooklyn Nets. He has had an adversarial relationship with Celtics fans since his departure, famously stepping on the Celtics' logo at center court and flipping off fans during his time in Brooklyn.

Celtics fans have consistently booed Irving almost every time he has touched the ball during the 2024 NBA Finals. Still, a more mature Irving five years removed from the situation seems to wish he'd done things differently.