Although Boston fans were upset that Kyrie Irving left the Celtics after the 2018-19 season for the Brooklyn, the Nets guard’s old teammates — including 2020 NBA All-Star Jayson Tatum — continue to express there aren’t any lingering issues.
The Celtics forward recently appeared on “All The Smoke” with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson and explained why he didn’t have an issue with Irving’s decision to leave:
His decision to go to Brooklyn, obviously, a lot of people were mad and things like that. But, us as basketball players, we understand once you get to a certain level and a certain point in your career you’ve earned the right to make the decision on what makes you happy and what you want to do. So, I was happy for him. He wanted to go back home and be closer to his family. I think everybody should have that opportunity.
Tatum also tried to encapsulate just how good Irving is when talking with the two former NBA players turned podcast hosts:
People might think he crazy, but Ky got, he got game. He [is] one of the most skilled basketball players ever. … Just some of the things he did with the ball was just like mind-boggling to me and the way he was able to finish. He’s special. He [is] one of the best players I was able to see and play with.