The Boston Celtics believe the playmaking ability of Kyrie Irving will expand with his trade to their team where he can work within the system of Brad Stevens.

“You’ll see that he’s a better passer," said Danny Ainge. "I think people that watch Kyrie play a lot can see his passing and his potential there as a passer. LeBron (James) was pretty much the point guard in Cleveland and Kyrie was a point guard often when LeBron wasn’t on the court. I think that he’s a fantastic passer and I think that defensively he’s got to improve and I think he will in Brad’s system”

Irving's assist rate was over 30 percent in each of his first three seasons before the arrival of James.