Kyrie Irving book author on Toucher and Rich: Kyrie left Celtics for Nets so he could 'control a franchise'
Kyrie Irving book author on Toucher and Rich: Kyrie left Celtics for Nets so he could 'control a franchise'
Sports Hub Podcasts June 18th, 2021
Ultimately, Kyrie Irving's messy departure from the Boston Celtics for the Brooklyn Nets was about control.
That's how Matt Sullivan, author of the new book Inside the Season of Protest, Pandemic, and Progress with the Brooklyn Nets' Superstars of Tomorrow, explained it in an interview with 98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher and Rich on Friday. The book chronicles, in part, the process that Irving and Kevin Durant went through to orchestrate their decisions to sign with the Nets. It started years before it was known that Irving intended to leave Boston, and even before the infamous viral video of Irving and Durant's All-Star Game conversation came out.
Sullivan believes that Irving's New York roots, and the idea that he could have more control over the Nets franchise and the city of Brooklyn than he ever could have over the Celtics or Boston, is what led to his decision.
"He wanted to build a house for his family and really control a franchise. I think Boston as a city, maybe, felt out of his grasp," Sullivan said. "The conversation really dated before [the viral video] to two best basketball friends who really wanted to take control of a franchise. We've talked a lot about 'player empowerment,' and that probably had more to do with it than Bill Russell and him talking race in the '60s and black history back in the gym in Seattle."
Listen above for the full interview.
Brooklyn Nets v Boston Celtics – Game Four
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 30: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets drives to the basket against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the Eastern Conference first round series at TD Garden on May 30, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
NBA: Boston Celtics at Houston Rockets
Mar 3, 2018; Houston, TX, USA; Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving (11) brings the ball upcourt as coach Brad Stevens observes during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
NBA: Playoffs-Boston Celtics at Brooklyn Nets
May 22, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) drives to the basket on Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) during the fourth quarter of game one in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
Boston Celtics v Brooklyn Nets – Game Two
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 25: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets goes to the basket as Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics defends during the second half of Game Two of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at Barclays Center on May 25, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
Boston Celtics v Brooklyn Nets – Game One
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 22: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets takes a shot as Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics defends in the third quarter during Game One of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on May 22, 2021 at Barclays Center in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
Boston Celtics v Brooklyn Nets
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 23: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dribbles as Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets defends during the first half at Barclays Center on April 23, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
NBA: Boston Celtics at Brooklyn Nets
Apr 23, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving (11) dribbles the ball past Boston Celtics point guard Marcus Smart (36) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Follow the Boston Celtics and the NBA at 985TheSportsHub.com.
Boston Celtics,Kyrie Irving,Matt sullivan,NBA,Toucher and Rich