Jackie and Windhorst discussing the Celtics right now, and not looking too good.
-Jackie
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--The Celtics loss to the Bulls is one of the most confounding losses in recent history, certainly in the Brad Stevens era.
--In the Celtics locker room after the loss to the Bulls, it wasn't somber or angry, guys were joking around and laughing. She says that one game symbolizes everything that's wrong with them. Defensive lapses, when things are going wrong they jack up ill-advised threes.
--Jackie is jumping off the "Celtics can make it to the Finals" bus. She says there's something wrong with this team. And people don't like to hear about chemistry and leadership, but "there's a bad vibe in that locker room."
--There's something up with Kyrie. He's not pleased with his role, but she's not sure what he's upset about specifically.
--When Kyrie is in a funk, it trickles down to all the other guys.
--Brad Stevens has been very hard on himself.
--They could lose in the first round of the playoffs.
-Windhorst
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--In reference to the "I'm not worried because they have me" comment, Windhorst says that Kyrie's slow conversion to becoming LeBron is nearly complete.
--Windhorst said he recognizes all the warning signs surrounding the Celtics, and this team is not an overachiever like past Stevens years, and he hasn't seen players buy-in to their roles like last year.
--Windhorst still sees the Celtics as having a chance. But thinks that they can't set themselves up with having to play Philly, Milwaukee, and Toronto.
--He still thinks he would put Boston as the favorite to win the East, simply based on talent.
-Jackie
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--Jackie sees the frustration in the players, and she just isn't sure that Kyrie believes the "we have me" comment.
--Celtics can't go deep into the playoffs without Kyrie
--Because the Celtics are struggling so much, Kyrie is pressing and not facilitating a lot.
--People in Boston are souring on Kyrie, especially after his comments throughout the season.
--There is concern everywhere within the organization. And the "is Kyrie staying?" question is casting a shadow on the team.
-Windhorst
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--In regards to Stevens being able to handle star personalities. Windhorst thinks that Kyrie is a handful for anybody. Says Irving had issues with Byron Scott and Mike Brown. He ended up disliking Ty Lue, and has obviously had moments with Brad this season.
--The last play in Milwaukee wasn't designed for Kyrie, and he wonders how Kyrie felt when once again it wasn't drawn up for him.
--Kyrie is hard to manage and is a huge personality. Kyrie's comments about free-agency have made things worse for him and not relieved any pressure.
--Windhorst thinks a lot of the Celtics struggles have to do with Kyrie, because he's "all over the place" and is tough to handle, and it trickles down to the rest of the locker room.