The Boston Celtics have formally introduced their two biggest acquisitions this offseason, former Utah Jazz forward, Gordon Hayward, and Kyrie Irving, who they recently added via trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The two All-Stars were welcomed today at a press conference, which included plenty of questions about Kyrie's six seasons in Cleveland, specifically the years with LeBron James and his decision to request a trade. According to Adam Kaufman of WBZ Sports Radio, Kyrie told reporters that he feels the Celtics offer him the ability to play with a group of guys that he can grow with, "My intent is to be happy and be with a group of individuals I can grow with. That's not a knock on [Cleveland]."
When Kyrie was asked about LeBron, he said he hasn't spoken to the Cavs' leader since this whole process began, but admitted to learning a lot from LeBron during their run in Cleveland, which includes a championship ring. According to Marla Ridenour of the Akron Beacon Journal, the 25-year old guard said, "I learned so much from that guy. I had an opportunity to play with one of the greats. It was awesome."
While most of the questions at today's introductory press conference were directed toward Kyrie, Gordon Hayward didn't go unnoticed up there either. Hayward spoke about why he chose Boston as a free agent this Summer and gave his thoughts on the new-look Celtics with himself and Kyrie Irving, not to mention rookie Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart and Al Horford.
Check out some additional videos of Kyrie and Gordon in the white and green below.