Boston Celtics president Danny Ainge has survived the same roller-coaster season the rest of his staff, the coaches and the players have been forced to ride throughout a tumultuous 2018-19 season. Highs and lows that have gone from suddenly appearing to turn the ship to questions about Kyrie Irving's leadership and the respect he has among his locker room peers.

Yet Ainge isn't worried about how Irving has looked this season after some polarizing comments he has made throughout the year, resting assured that Irving is making the right decision to lead by example:

“I think Kyrie's heart is in the right place,” Ainge told Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated. “Leadership is hard. I think when he is at his best is when he tries to have an impact on the game he is playing, and he tries to inspire his teammates with his play on both ends. I think it's that simple. That's where players earn respect. Not by words, not by team meetings. You earn respect with how you play.”

Article Continues Below
More Boston Celtics News
image thumbnail
Clippers trade proposal lands Jrue Holiday from CelticsJedd Pagaduan ·
Cavaliers' guard Darius Garland with Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle - NBA trade rumors and scenarios
Timberwolves’ Darius Garland trade headlines 4 intriguing scenarios before NBA DraftBrett Siegel ·
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) defends Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the second quarter at Paycom Center.
Colin Cowherd shades Jayson Tatum with ‘alpha’ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander takeMalik Brown ·
Apr 29, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
ESPN analyst floats Celtics as Giannis Antetokounmpo landing spotZachary Draves ·
Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) controls the ball while LA Clippers guard Terance Mann (14) defends during the second half at TD Garden.
NBA rumors: Clippers eyeing Jrue Holiday trade after past loss to CelticsDaniel Donabedian ·
Kristaps Porzingis photoshopped in Magic jersey. Include his jersey number.
Magic offseason trade proposal for Kristaps Porzingis as Celtics get finances in checkBailey Bassett ·

Irving earned his keep on Sunday, leading the way for the Celtics along with veteran Marcus Morris with 20 points apiece during a grueling 84-74 win over the Indiana Pacers.

Irving must continue to do so for the entire playoffs if he hopes to secure that leadership role in front of the eyes of his teammates, as leading goes beyond speeches and motivation, more often than not coming down to actions and taking the lead in dire situations.