Boston Celtics point guard, Kemba Walker, and former Celtic, Kyrie Irving, were both taken in the 2011 NBA draft - Irving first-overall and Walker eight picks later at #9. Kyrie has experienced both individual and team success, mostly with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Kemba has had great individual success with the Charlotte Hornets, but team success has been elusive.
Irving is a 6-Time All-Star and 1-Time NBA Champion. He helped take the Cavs to four successive post-season appearances, with one (2015-16) ending in a Title. Cleveland was eliminated in the Finals the other three seasons. Walker is a 3-Time All-Star whose Charlotte teams went 263-377 (41% winning percentage) in his eight seasons there. The Hornets went to the post season twice during his tenure there, getting eliminated in the first round both times.
This will be the first NBA season where Kemba is surrounded by sufficient talent to make a strong playoff push - even having a shot to go all the way to a Title. Being part of a solid core consisting of Gordon Hayward, Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown could get him that team success that has been missing in his career.
The current crop of guys-in-green doesn't include Lebron James, the player that gave an enormous boost to Kyrie's team success with Cleveland. But Boston does have a team-first point guard (and winner of two NBA Sportsmanship Awards) to work his magic with four skilled wings. This looks to be an exciting and entertaining season. With solid play from the center position, the Celtics can go a long way in the post-season. Much of the pressure sits on Walker's shoulders, and he knows it. But I guarantee he is ready for the challenge.
Follow Tom at @CelticsSentinel and @_Celtics_Center
Irving is a 6-Time All-Star and 1-Time NBA Champion. He helped take the Cavs to four successive post-season appearances, with one (2015-16) ending in a Title. Cleveland was eliminated in the Finals the other three seasons. Walker is a 3-Time All-Star whose Charlotte teams went 263-377 (41% winning percentage) in his eight seasons there. The Hornets went to the post season twice during his tenure there, getting eliminated in the first round both times.
He's got that willpower. A cool 14 pts., 7 ast., 6 reb. for @KembaWalker in the win over Turkey.
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) September 3, 2019
🇺🇸 #USAGotGame pic.twitter.com/CFh2Gp6fck
This will be the first NBA season where Kemba is surrounded by sufficient talent to make a strong playoff push - even having a shot to go all the way to a Title. Being part of a solid core consisting of Gordon Hayward, Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown could get him that team success that has been missing in his career.
The current crop of guys-in-green doesn't include Lebron James, the player that gave an enormous boost to Kyrie's team success with Cleveland. But Boston does have a team-first point guard (and winner of two NBA Sportsmanship Awards) to work his magic with four skilled wings. This looks to be an exciting and entertaining season. With solid play from the center position, the Celtics can go a long way in the post-season. Much of the pressure sits on Walker's shoulders, and he knows it. But I guarantee he is ready for the challenge.
Follow Tom at @CelticsSentinel and @_Celtics_Center
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