Ex-Celtic Kyrie Irving elected as NBPA Vice President

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The National Basketball Players Association's announcement Monday about its new Vice President likely earned an eye roll from Boston Celtics fans.

Brooklyn Nets guard and ex-Celtic Kyrie Irving was appointed as the NBPA's new VP, replacing Pau Gasol. Irving was elected at Monday's annual winter meeting of the Board of NBPA Player Representatives.

"This was the right time for me to run for a leadership position in the NBPA,” said Irving, per the NBPA's official statement. “I have been an observer and a participant in union affairs for a while, but for the most part, I was off on the sidelines, supporting our Executive Committee as they made important decisions.

"At this point in my career, I wanted to join forces with those guys and take a bigger role outside of the basketball court and within our union. I want to help move the union forward with innovative ideas, not only on social issues but also with business ventures into a new space. I am honored to be elected by my peers and I cannot wait to work with everybody to make an impact."

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Irving being selected for a leadership role certainly is ironic considering the questions about his leadership ability during his brief tenure in Boston. Making it even more interesting is he'll join a committee that includes his former C's teammate, Jaylen Brown (VP).

Also on the committee are Oklahoma City Thunder veteran Chris Paul (President), Miami Heat veteran Andre Iguodala (First Vice President), Sacramento Kings forward Anthony Tolliver (Secretary-Treasurer), Charlotte Hornets center Bismack Biyombo, Indiana Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum and Nets forward Garrett Temple (Vice Presidents).

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