Kyrie Irving’s Schedule Kept Him From Cavaliers’ 2016 Title Reunion in Europe
kyrie-irving-missed-2016-cavs-reunion-due-to-prior-commitments
Several members of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2016 championship team gathered in England and Scotland this week to mark the 10th anniversary of their historic NBA Finals win. One key figure was absent: guard Kyrie Irving.
Speculation about Irving’s no-show grew after former teammate J.R. Smith joked on social media that the Dallas Mavericks star had been invited but never replied. Reporting by NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson offers a different explanation.
Prior commitments in the United States
According to Robinson, Irving had already promised to serve as a mentor at the NBPA Top 100 Camp, held June 8-12 in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Working alongside former NBA players and coaches, Irving helped develop many of the nation’s top high-school prospects during the four-day event.
Once the camp concluded, Irving returned to his home state of New Jersey. There, he visited athletes at Teaneck High School and West Orange High School as part of his ongoing partnership with sportswear brand Anta.
Sources told Robinson that because these obligations were booked well in advance, Irving never formally RSVPed for the European trip and his absence was not related to any lingering tension with former teammates.
Who attended the European celebration?
The reunion drew several key contributors to Cleveland’s lone NBA title, including LeBron James, Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson, Channing Frye, Richard Jefferson and Smith. The group shared photos from golf courses, restaurants and sightseeing stops during their time abroad.
The gathering coincides with the 10-year milestone of Cleveland’s comeback from a 3-1 deficit against the record-setting 73-win Golden State Warriors—the only such comeback in NBA Finals history. The Cavaliers organization is also planning a public celebration outside Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Friday.
Robinson’s reporting emphasizes that Irving’s stateside duties, not personal rifts, explain his absence from the overseas reunion.
Source: Hoops Wire
