NBA: Irving-Interview:”From LeBron you just have to learn.”

After joining the Boston Celtics, Kyrie Irving is currently leading the Eastern Conference. SPOX and DAZN talked to the superstar about new challenges, lessons from LeBron James and his new strength in defense. Celtics play against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday in London (21:00 at LIVESTREAM FOR FREE)

SPOX/DAZN: Kyrie, let’s think back a bit: In 2016, you’ve met the decisive threesome in Game 7 of the NBA Finals – that’s probably the maximum you can achieve as an NBA player. What are the challenges you will face afterwards?

Kyrie Irving: Oh, there’s still plenty of that. My challenges today are to constantly be a better person, as well as a better basketball player. I want to constantly develop myself further in the things that I feel a passion for. I want to work on my game and help inspire people around the world. That’s about it.

SPOX/DAZN: Following your move to Celtics in the summer, half a season has now been completed. Is that what you imagined?

Irving: It’s an experience I try to take advantage of. It’s unique how things work out, so I can’t say much about my expectations or anything like that. But I am really grateful for this opportunity to play the game I love, every day. Now I can play for the Boston Celtics – a historic franchise where winning, hard work, teamwork and excellence are paramount. That’s what I demand from myself every day, and that’s why it has worked very well so far.

SPOX/DAZN: Celtics are currently number one in the East – is this a snapshot or is the team really ready to contest Cleveland’s final subscription?

Irving: Well, we have to prove ourselves permanently what we understand. It’s a long season and so we have a long way to go to beat the best. The first step to get over this threshold is to play consistently at a high level. So far we’ve done a pretty good job – but let’s face it, all this doesn’t mean much before the playoffs start.

SPOX/DAZN: There is a lot of talk over the course of the season about how you have improved defensively. How do you see it yourself?

Irving: I am now part of a system that is really based on helping out a lot and in which every player is responsible. It demands a lot from me, and I use that – because I also demand it from myself. I simply take advantage of the opportunity this system offers me.

SPOX/DAZN: To what extent did Coach Brad Stevens also help you?

Irving: He’s doing an exceptionally good job. The way in which he acts as a leader is so pleasant because he never gets upset and is always constant with what he wants to tell us. He brings his message across clearly and clearly and is able to communicate very well. That makes the job easier for all of us.

SPOX/DAZN: Speaking of leaders, you are the clear franchise player for the first time in Boston. How much has it prepared you for this situation, having played with LeBron James for years?

Irving: You have no choice but to learn from him. When you work with such a special talent, such a special person every day and understand what his role in the franchise is and how he behaves, you get a good sense of the big picture. You understand what is really important and how to do it every day. As I said, if you can observe someone so intensively at such a high level, you just have to learn from it. I took much of what I learned from him and apply it every day.