It is no surprise that fans of the Boston Celtics are very much not fans of former Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving. Most dislike him for how he left Boston. Some dislike his penchant for conspiracy theories; others for his aloofness and ire toward the media. Others base their distaste on his position on public health issues, his treatment of logos, or just because he is on another team.

But it is safe to say the New Jersey native is among the bigger New England sports villains currently playing a sport, regardless of the rationale behind the animus, perhaps even after the Celtics won Banner 18.

But where does he rank in the wider constellation of New England sports villains?

John Tomase, Tom Giles and Cedric Maxwell were joined by Phil Perry on the NBS Sports Boston “Early Edition” show to sort where Irving ranks as a local villain when he was still with the Brooklyn Nets.

Has the ire subsided since, in your opinion?

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ