The preface is not uncommon, and whenever it reaches the air at the start of a question, Kyrie Irving is certain to provide a swift correction.
As the leader of this team . . .
“One of the leaders,” Irving will say before the next syllable can leave the reporter.
It is as much a statement of fact as it is a declaration of his philosophy, an approach he has clearly pondered greatly, for nothing Irving does is accidental. He studied the leadership of others, added his own DNA and reached his conclusion.
As the Celtics’ best player and the only one with NBA championship jewelry, he can do as he damn well pleases.