How to Talk to Your Kids About Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving Burns Sage in the TD Garden, per Twitter
It’s official. The Celtics are going to the NBA finals for the second time in three years. While their opponent has not yet been decided, the Dallas Mavericks look poised to represent the Western Conference with a 3-1 series lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Given the opportunity to sweep on Wednesday night, the Mavericks were unable to finish the job and ceded the game 105-100. Guard Kyrie Irving had a difficult night, posting only 16 points on 33% shooting and going 1-6 from three-point range, despite being on the floor for 42 minutes. A Celtics v. Mavericks series would bring Irving back to a familiar setting – Irving was a Celtic for two seasons, from 2017-19, and built quite a reputation in the city. You may have children who were too young or innocent to remember this era, and they may ask: “Mommy, why is everyone yelling at that man?”, or “Daddy, why is that man burning sage?” These are valid questions for a growing mind and can be a segue into important life lessons for the future generation. You should be ready to have these conversations, and preparedness is key, so I’ve laid out some life lessons that will help guide this difficult discussion with your child.
Kyrie Irving, per Nathaniel S. Butler, Getty Images
1. Once Trust is Lost, it is Very Difficult to Regain
This is very important for children to learn in their adolescence. They may lie about a broken window now, but this could be the first step down a treacherous path in life that grows into less benign dishonesty with a future partner – a relationship that is much more difficult to repair. On the night of October 4th, 2018, Kyrie stood in front of a packed Garden and stated the following:
"I've shared it with some of my teammates as well as the organization as well as everyone else in Boston. If you guys will have me back, I plan on re-signing here next year."
Nine months and a few days later, Kyrie Irving was a Brooklyn Net. With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown already on the roster, this was supposed to be an organization that would build around this trio for years to come and be a perennial contender, however the lights got a little too bright for Mr. Irving. Boston retires the numbers of those who are loyal, and those who are loyal often raise banners here. This was truly an ‘Et tu, Brute?’ moment for the city. By the time it came for Kyrie to make a decision, it’s fair to say Boston did not want Irving back anyways, however this ultimatum among fans was preceded by constant media suggestions that Kyrie disliked Boston and didn’t think the organization was built to win. Well, well, well. How the turn tables... uh. So kids – be honest with those in your life, and stand for what you believe in. Once given someone’s trust, you likely won’t get a second chance.
“You’ve Got the Wrong Guy!”, per ESPN
2. Accountability is Important!
One of the more admirable traits in a person is accountability, and it’s best taught at a young age. We’ve all had the coworker who was lightning quick to blame anyone else for a mistake, and it breeds a bad culture. The coworker who instead takes responsibility for their own actions is generally well-liked and creates a more open culture, where folks feel responsible for their own actions and more willing to take calculated risks. As the seconds waned down in game three of the 2019 Eastern Conference semifinals, the third-to-last game Irving played in a Celtics uniform, Kyrie headed to the locker room prior to the buzzer, without his teammates. When questioned after the game, Irving stated, “The game was over.” In the presser, Irving cited the teams lack of experience for the justification behind their 3-0 series deficit, and when asked if going 19-62 shooting up to that point was mentally challenging, Irving responded, “Who cares?” After shooting 8-22 that night, Kyrie stated, “22 shots… I should have taken 30.” This was a team that had gone to the Eastern Conference finals the year prior and taken the Lebron-led Cavaliers to a game seven (without Irving, mind you). Yes, Kyrie was expected to be the number one option on this team, but he was openly aware of that. Accountability over one’s actions opens oneself to vulnerability, but it earns respect and is important in the betterment of oneself. If your child misbehaves at school, it’s important that they take responsibility for their actions, which can be difficult for a child to do, but the earlier in life they develop this skill, the more they will set themselves up for success in the later years of schooling, and ultimately professional life.
Kyrie Gives Lucky a Shiner, per Elise Amendola, AP Photo
3. Your Actions Have Consequences
This is another very important lesson for your little ones to learn early in life. If you, say, throw a water bottle at your sister, you will be put in timeout. It is crucial to understand that if you misbehave, you will likely be asked to answer for yourself at a later point, and an early understanding that actions have consequences is linked to a decrease in outbursts. When Kyrie Irving stomped on the Celtics logo after their game four matchup in the first round of the NBA playoffs, he should have understood that this would not improve his likability in the city, with legends like Kevin Garnett calling the move petty. No, it was not cool of that kid to throw a water bottle at Kyrie afterwards and this response was far from equal to the original offence, but his actions had consequences as well, and he sat in front of the Boston Municipal Court not long after. Maybe his parents should read this article. We’re not referencing that action, but instead that after Kyrie stomped on the Celtics logo, even those in the city who once stood up for him could no longer justify it. Knowing that disrespecting someone will only lead to them disrespecting you is a tenet that’s often disrespected itself, so it’s important to instill this into children early.
Forever a Legend, per Maddie Meyer, Getty Images
4. Your Ol’ Mom and Pop Sure Did Love Isaiah Thomas
It was unlucky for Kyrie that he was traded for Isaiah Thomas, one of the most beloved players in Celtics history. IT stood for everything the people here love. He was the little guy – counted out because of his size; picked dead-last in the NBA draft. But IT never let that stop him. He played hard; he came through when he was needed most. He carried the Celtics to success way ahead of schedule, and he sacrificed everything he had for this organization. Days after the death of his sister, he scored 50 points in an overtime playoff win, and he played through injuries that ultimately cost him his career. IT was given a really raw deal by the Celtics front office, and Celtics fans are the first to admit that and the first to jump to his defense. Despite this, IT has only ever had wonderful things to say about the people of Boston and his time in the city. He is the consummate professional, and he will always have a very special place in the hearts of the fans who witnessed his run here. It was karma in a way that the organization received Kyrie in exchange for Thomas. Huddle near, young ones, and listen closely: be an Isaiah… not a Kyrie.