Kyrie Irving's Leadership Praised By Morris Amid Talks Of Celtics Exit

The Boston Celtics have got a new lease of life as they chase a higher seeding in the Eastern Conference after a torrid six-game spell post the All-Star break and Marcus Morris credits Kyrie Irving for bringing a change in the tide. Brad Stevens’ team had lost five of their six games with many considering them longshots to progress past the first round in the playoffs.

The Celtics, who are in fifth place in the East, have since won three games on the trot and are now just one game behind the Philadelphia 76ers and Indiana Pacers, who are in third and fourth respectively. And with 15 games to go in the regular season, they have a great chance to finish third – and that will be their best as the first two places are already locked out.

The Boston franchise has had an inconsistent season after being touted as favorites to progress to the NBA Finals from the East. And with their inconsistent form came speculation about Irving’s long-term future with the Celtics.

The point guard verbally committed his long-term future to the Celtics prior to the start of the season but has since backtracked on his comments with many now expecting him to leave when he enters free agency in the summer. The Celtics’ recent run of poor form has seen Irving look distanced from the team which has added to the speculation.

But in the last week with the Celtics back to winning ways, the team camaraderie looks to have returned with Irving looking back to his best on and off the court. Celtics power forward Morris has credited Irving’s leadership and energy for taking them to another level as the playoffs get closer.

"Ask that man right there (Kyrie Irving). His energy has just taken us to another level,” Morris told Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe. “He’s been great for us. Everybody has been talking about how he wants out and all this other shit, but he’s been great for us, a great leader."

Leading a team of his own was exactly what Irving wanted when he requested a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017. He wanted to get out from under the shadow of LeBron James and have his own team, something that he has in Boston.

And many believe a deep run in the playoffs will convince him to re-sign with the Celtics and with the Boston franchise among the frontrunners to land Anthony Davis, who will be available via trade – they could build a formidable unit that can challenge for the NBA championship.