The atmosphere with the Boston Celtics this season has been different now that Kemba Walker is leading the group instead of Kyrie Irving.
Walker just has a calmer and more positive presence than Irving, who is one of the most mercurial players we have in the NBA despite being an elite talent.
The upside? Without as many players clamoring for additional touches and minutes, this year’s team has not experienced nearly as many headaches. From top to bottom, the Celtics seem lighter and more carefree. Irving’s absence is far from the only change, but several sources have indicated his departure — and Walker’s arrival — helped flip the atmosphere in the room.
“Night and day,” said one team source.
Said another, “You can feel it at all times.”
The Celtics are 12-4 on the season after defeating the Sacramento Kings at home on Monday. Boston is in a three way tie with the Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors for second place in the East.
Walker, who is currently out with a neck injury, is averaging 21.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists in his first season with the Celtics. The three-time All-Star is shooting 40.0 percent from the field, 38.9 percent from beyond the arc and 91.7 percent from the free-throw line.
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