With the Boston Celtics playing like one of the best teams in the NBA right now, former Celtics player Kyrie Irving’s leadership abilities have been brought into question.
In response, ESPN’s “First Take” commentator Stephen A. Smith recently came to the player’s defense and even remarked that Irving was treated unfairly during his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Former Cavs player and assistant coach Damon Jones went to social media to refute Smith’s statement about the team.
I will respectfully disagree @stephenasmith Kyrie Irving was not done dirty in Cleveland!!I was there.I like Kyrie and I hope he gets healthy soon cause this brother can BALL!! https://t.co/O27seAthZx
— Damon Jones (@D19J) November 28, 2019
Jones, who made a name for himself because of his three-point shooting ability, played for the Cavs for three seasons.
Following his playing career, he was hired as a shooting consultant by the team in 2014. Former Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue then promoted Jones to his coaching staff before the start of the 2016 playoffs. The Cavs eventually won the championship in the same year.
For around three years, Jones was able to work alongside Irving. That fact certainly indicates that he knows what he is talking about when it comes to Irving and how the Cavs treated him.
Even after Irving asked for a trade from the team in the 2017 offseason, it seems Jones still has a positive opinion of the All-Star point guard. That much was evident in Jones wishing Irving a speedy recovery from his current injury.
