Kyrie Irving feels remorse over his past behavior in Boston

Kyrie Irving has been in the public eye since he was a teenage prodigy at Duke. As such, we've seen the talented guard grow up before our eyes, maturing into the person he is today. It's rather refreshing to hear Irving, 32, introspect over some of his past behavior and even feel remorse for his actions.

This Thursday — Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals — will mark the first time since 2022 that Irving will return to Boston for a playoff game. The last time Irving was at the TD Garden, he notoriously flashed the middle finger to the crowd twice and seemed to enjoy doing it. 

Now that he's had time to think through his actions, he isn't proud of the person he was a few years ago. 

"Last time in Boston, everyone saw me flip off the birds and kind of lose my s--- a little bit," Irving told reporters on Monday. "That wasn't a great reflection of who I am and how I like to compete on a high level. It wasn't a great reflection on my end toward the next generation on what it means to control your emotions in that type of environment, no matter what people are yelling at you. I'm built for these moments, to be able to handle circumstances like that, and I've been able to grow since then. So of course it's going to be a hectic environment, but I'm looking forward to it and I see it as a healthy relationship to have with the fans."

Irving compared himself to a "gladiator" trying to win the crowd over and earn their respect, which he plans to do over the next few weeks. He further praised the Celtic faithful as fans who "respect great basketball" and feels that silencing them will signify him winning their approval.  

"I have a group to lead that's going to be looking to me for a voice of peace and to be able to control what I can control and also help them through it," he added. 

For Irving to admit that he has "grown" as a person over the last few years isn't an easy admission by any means. His family, friends and teammates ought to be proud.

Irving's latest comments follow a pattern of him apologizing for some of his questionable decisions in the past, including demanding a trade from Cleveland, reneging on his guarantee to Boston fans, putting his teammates in Brooklyn in an uncomfortable position and making insensitive social media posts.

His willingness to own up to his mistakes makes Irving relatable. He's human. He's one of us.