Leading up to the trade to the Boston Celtics, much of the chatter surrounding Kyrie Irving centered around his desire to be the star player for an NBA team leading them to success.

During his introductory press conference on Friday morning, Irving was quick to shoot down the notion that there was a belief that one player can carry an entire team on their back.

Article Continues Below
More Boston Celtics News
Boston Celtics guard JD Davison (20) dribbles against Detroit Pistons guard Marcus Sasser (25) during the second half at TD Garden.
Celtics make contract decision on G League MVPSteve Silverman ·
Celtics center Luke Kornet (40) warms up before game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden with the Clippers logo in the background and the Spurs logo in the background
NBA rumors: Clippers to battle Spurs for Celtics free agentJosue Pavon ·
Sam Hauser (30) reacts after a three point shot in the first quarter
Celtics rumors: The player with no trade ‘buzz’Colin Loughran ·
Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) dribbles during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
NBA rumors: Could Bulls, Clippers be Celtics options for Anfernee Simons trade?Owen Crisafulli ·
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) dribbles the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during the first half at TD Garden.
NBA rumors: Celtics want ‘Mikal Bridges-type’ trade package for Derrick WhiteColin Loughran ·
Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (40) warms up before game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden. Spurs free agency
NBA rumors: Spurs to pursue key Celtics free agentOwen Crisafulli ·

This may get interpreted as being a subtle shot at LeBron James, but it is truly a stance that has much credence given that it takes several solid contributors to push a team toward being considered title contenders. For as dominant James has been throughout his career, there has always been the necessity to have other superstars on the roster to achieve the ultimate goal of a winning a championship.

That said, Irving is heading to what could be the best situation he could have hoped to join with the Celtics that could quickly become a serious threat to dethrone the Cleveland Cavaliers next season. He has an opportunity to latch onto the leading offensive role while becoming the face of the franchise for the next several years.

Boston is now in the position to take over the reigns as the standard bearers in the Eastern Conference along with the potential to do much more than that over the foreseeable future with Irving heading the charge.