I read tarheel's comments to say that Irving had the original surgery when it could have waited and as a result, the surgery that could have waited then caused the infection. If he had waited for all these surgeries until the immediate off-season, we could have been spared some of these problems. I am not claiming any medical expertise here, just bringing up the possibility.
Another question I have is: When Irving heard the report that Ainge had shopped him to San Antonio before the trade deadline, did that suddenly sour his attitude towards the Celtics and cause him to reconsider his long-term plans ?
I don't think it is at all unreasonable to expect an answer regarding his impending free-agency to be, " I definitely want to be in Boston long-term and I hope that we can agree on a contract next summer. It is also not unreasonable to expect one of your top players and the team's supposed leader (his words) to be in attendance at all games, playing or not. The more I have continued to think about that, the angrier I get.
I never have gotten a good vibe from that guy and I believe his basic nature to be self-centered. You don't win many titles with self-centered players. Somehow, if this topic were being discussed during the 60's, 70's, or 80's, I think many more people would tend to be upset by Irving's absence. Selfishness is much more accepted in millenial America.
BTW, my opinions about Kyrie Irving do not come from some personal dislike that I am expressing through continued criticism. My concerns about him are based on SPECIFIC BEHAVIOR, whether that be words or actions.