Kyrie Irving: Grandfather's Death Influenced His Decision To Move Out Of Boston

Kyrie Irving was ecstatic when he arrived in Boston, a fresh start from the somewhat dysfunctional Cleveland Cavaliers. During the beginning of the 2018-2019 NBA season, the flashy point guard even managed to tell Celtics fans that he intended to resign with the organization.

But things started to change, and the once exuberant Irving was becoming more and more detached from Boston squad. The reason? The death of his grandfather.

In a report by the Boston Globe, Irving said that he liked the Celtic vibe. "It was crazy. They loved me in Boston, I loved the Boston fans," quipped the 27-year-old All-Star.

Kyrie was hyped as Boston's savior, but his excitement was short-lived. Two-weeks after pledging loyalty to the rabid Boston fanbase, his grandfather died.

He missed the Celtic's game against the Jazz in early November to pay respects to the man that he called his second father. Irving said that after his passing, "basketball was the last thing on my mind."

He added that he did not allow "anyone to get close" to him and he carried a broken facial expression for the rest of the season. "It bothered me," said Irving.

During the games, Irving didn't get counseling and therapy; instead, he responded in uncharacteristic ways. The flashy guard never dealt with anything like that in his life. He reckoned that he had to concede that fact to the Boston organization.

Irving said that he talked to Celtics president of basketball operation, Danny Ainge that he planned to resign with the team. But deep into the regular season, the death of his grandfather made him think about his priorities.

The Blue Devils alumnus said that it became more evident that his home life was an essential part of his career, more than any organization. He revealed that he "barely got a chance to talk" to his grandpa before he died.

Throughout the year, Irving became more aloof with the young Boston core. He assumed that he "could battle through from the team environment" and he just "wasn't ready" for it.

For the first time since being trumped by Milwaukee in the 2018-2019 playoffs, Irving admits that "he has failed his teammates." He said that he didn't give them everything that he could have during the season.

He ended by saying that he failed to rise to the situation. "In being a leader in that situation and bringing everyone together, I failed," quipped Irving.