Kyrie Irving responds to Bill Simmons snark

That led to a return shot from Irving, himself, who fired back at “Billy Boy.”

“I see you couldn’t help yourself with this one huh Billy Boy,” Irving tweeted at Simmons in response. “Just wanna say I appreciate you and continue to be the person you are. My Tribe says hello.”

On its own merits, Simmons’ take actually isn’t too terrible. A few months ago, it sounded like Irving would have no market outside of the Mavs, who traded away significant assets for the veteran guard and virtually had to re-sign him. Irving ended up scheduling meetings with many other different teams in free agency, but he didn’t actually go through with any of them, instead accepting Dallas’ offer once it was made. That indicates that Irving was using those other teams as leverage all along.

But Simmons, a huge Boston homer, is probably biased since Irving is still Public Enemy No. 1 in Beantown, where Irving he from 2017-19 before ditching the Celtics for the Brooklyn Nets. The reception Irving gets at TD Garden will give you an idea of just how well-liked he is by Boston fans these days.