The hopes of a bitter and jilted city weigh on his back whenever he steps on to an NBA court.
He carries the designation of being the top pick of a perceived weak draft, a huge reputation of being a lethal scorer and the pedigree of Duke University.
 |
Join the Discussion |
 |
Post a Comment |
Yes, Cleveland point guard Kyrie Irving deals with a lot. And he handles it like he plays the game: smoothly and confidently.
Irving, in Tuesday night’s 113-105 Cavaliers to the Utah Jazz, scored 20 points on an array of jumpers and drives to the basket. He dished out five assists before 17,859 at EnergySolutions Arena. In 27 minutes, he distinguished himself as the best point guard on the floor.
And he’s only a rookie. Nine games into his rookie season at that.
"My biggest transition as a rookie has been getting used to the pace," Irving said. "It’s been flying everywhere, every single day. It’s been getting used to the lifestyle. That’s the biggest transition."
The basketball, so far, has been fine.
Irving is averaging 15 points, 5.1 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game, already exceeding some expectations that he would need time to get used to the physical grind of the NBA.
Against the Jazz, he got to the basket off the dribble, finishing plays when he got there. He pulled up for 3-pointers in transition that nestled softly through the basket. He scored from midrange and he found time to get his teammates involved as well.
Irving’s season so far has been a pleasant surprise to many. But Cleveland management obviously knew it had a superior talent in Irving, since the Cavs let incumbent starter Baron Davis go and sign with the New York Knicks.
"He’s a good player," Utah power forward Paul Millsap said. "He got into the lane and made some plays. He scored, and he made some very good moves to the basket. He’s going to be a pretty good player."
Cleveland started well, but the Western road swing has put the Cavs at 4-5 on the young season. Still, the Cavaliers are thinking playoffs and thinking they cam compete on a nightly basis. Having Irving has helped immensely for a franchise severely wounded by the loss of LeBron James to the Miami Heat.
Having veterans like Antawn Jamison and Anthony Parker surround Irving has helped as well.
"He’s playing well, and he’s got to keep getting better," Cavaliers coach Byron Scott said. "Each game is a process for him and he’s just got to figure it all out. I want him to improve in every part of his game. I want to see him become a complete point guard."
Copyright 2012 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
