Boston Celtics: 5 obstacles to contending in 2017-18
By Evan Massey
4. Is Kyrie Irving capable of being a franchise leader?
Perhaps the biggest question surrounding the Celtics involves their new franchise point guard. Can Kyrie Irving be the franchise leader that Ainge and the Celtics acquired him to be?
There has been some criticism of Irving’s game throughout his career about his leadership skills. He has been critiqued for not being a willing passer, as well as for riding on LeBron James‘ coattails. He is ready to put those critics behind him and prove that he is a capable No. 1 player in Boston.
Irving will have some help in the leadership department. He will have Hayward and veteran big man Al Horford alongside him.
Expect to see Irving settle into his new role with the Celtics rather quickly.