BOSTON -- Kyrie Irving is not going to say whether he thinks he'll be a Celtic long-term. It just wouldn't make sense to. There's a lot that's left to unfurl.
On Tuesday, days after giving a cryptic quote to the New York Times about his future, Irving was presented the opportunity to clarify that he would like to stay with Boston long-term. His answer might not quell the worries of any concerned fans.
"Man, I'm going to get asked that question a million times and I'm fully prepared for it, but I would say that in terms of direction, I'm really focused on what happens next season," Irving, who has the option to opt out of his contract with the Celtics at the end of next season, told NBC Sports Boston. "That's really all I'm looking forward to. That's all I can really focus on right now. I know everyone wants to know with me looking forward, but literally I have to remain [in the] present in order to accomplish something bigger than myself with this great group."
Asked whether he just didn't like deciding his future before he had to, Irving said that he isn't necessarily against knowing his future, but that "thinking long-term and breeding all these other questions is unnecessary right now."
While the All-Star point guard wouldn't say whether he'd like to be a Celtic in the future, he did at least say he likes being one now.
"Of course," he said. "Of course I love wearing No. 11 for Boston."