NBA News 2013: Irving takes James’ role as Cleveland king

Kyrie Irving (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Had Kyrie Irving considered the scope of this stage he starred on, his All-Star weekend coming-out party may have never come to pass.

The eyeballs come from all angles and in record numbers in the NBA these days – people in 215 countries watching in 47 languages on televisions and tablets and laptops and the like. Irving, this 20-year-old prodigy who joined incredible company in becoming the seventh player to be an All-Star before his 21st birthday, is now a major player in this game that goes way beyond the game.

The business of basketball is booming these days, and the one-man brands of players like Irving are built in times like these. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ point guard thrilled the masses in the Rising Stars game on Friday, won the three-point contest on Saturday and was ready to enjoy his newfound elite status in his first All-Star game on Sunday. All the while, the counter-intuitive notion that Miami’s LeBron James could return to Cleveland as a free agent in the summer of 2014 continued to grow, in large part, because Irving’s talent is tantalizing enough to make the Akron, Ohio native seriously consider going home again.

“He’s unbelievable,” James said about Irving’s coronation as new king of Cleveland. “He’ll be (among) the top two, top three best point guards in the league. He’s headed there already.

“He’s doing some great things right now. They should be excited about having him in Cleveland.”

Irving, who was voted in by the fans despite the Cavaliers’ 16-37 record, was synonymous with excitement all weekend long.

His ankle-breaking moves against Detroit’s Brandon Knight were the talk of the town on Friday night, and he was the star on Saturday night as well. During the championship round of the three-point contest, and with a jumping James cheering him on courtside, TNT commentator Kenny Smith said on the telecast, “This dude is trying to make a statement, man.”

http://www.hoopsworld.com/kyrie-irving-takes-lebron-james-role-as-cleveland-king/

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NBA News 2012: Irving named NBA's rookie of the year

Kyrie Irving (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving was named the National Basketball Association's (NBA) rookie of the year in a landslide victory after leading all first-year players in scoring, the league said on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old Irving, taken first overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, averaged 18.5 points and 5.4 assists in 51 games playing for a Cavaliers team that went 21-45 last season and finished with the fourth-worst record in the league.

"It was a great season, I had such an amazing time," the Australian-born Irving said at a news conference.

"All our guys on this team worked hard, whether we came out with wins or loses it was just about us competing every single day and I know this (team) is going in the right way."

Irving received 117 first-place votes from a panel of 120 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. Minnesota's Ricky Rubio finished second with 170 points and Denver's Kenneth Faried was third with 129 points, including one first-place vote.

Irving is the first member of the Cavaliers to win the award since LeBron James was named rookie of the year in 2004.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/cavaliers-irving-named-nbas-rookie-201711849--nba.html

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NBA News 2011: Only matter of time before Cavaliers become Irving's team

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The question was fair, if predictable, now that the Cavaliers have a veteran point guard with a massive contract and a rookie point guard as a No. 1 pick. Byron Scott's response was, likewise, fair and predictable.

No, he said, there is not an anointed starter between Baron Davis and Kyrie Irving.

In an amazing moment of restraint among the couple hundred fans, team officials and media members at the Cavaliers practice facility Friday afternoon, there was no hint of laughter. And, technically, the spot is open because Davis is more experienced, forward movement in the standings is needed, and Irving should not be overburdened. But this is Irving's job, with only the timeline in doubt before he officially takes over.

Of course it is his job. It's practically his team. The Cavaliers don't want it framed that way and say they won't do heavy marketing on individuals, except the rest of the world understands this is the new face of the roster, stepping in to fill the glamour void left by the departure of LeBron James. That Irving himself understands it as well, and in fact wants the role, is the important thing.

http://www.nba.com/2011/news/features/scott_howard_cooper/06/24/cavs-irving/index.html

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NBA News 2011: Kyrie Irving among few impact rookies

Image by Getty Images via @daylife
Over the past few seasons, rookies have had a varied impact upon the fantasy hoops landscape. Two years ago, Stephen Curry and Tyreke Evans were studs, and nine rookies cracked the top 150 on the Player Rater. Last year, Blake Griffin, John Wall and Landry Fields were the only three to do so. But what will the prognosis be for this year's class, widely panned as one of the weakest groups of all time? Well, beyond Kyrie Irving, who will see run in Cleveland and have a chance to put up numbers, few rookies will be on the fantasy radar come draft day. Before seeing how their minutes shake out and skill sets translate, it's difficult to rationalize the gamble of spending a valuable draft pick on an unknown fantasy commodity. This year, it'll be more about knowing which players to keep a close eye upon as the season unravels, and which have the upside to be modest fantasy contributors if opportunity shines upon them.

Impact Players

• Kyrie Irving, PG, Cleveland Cavaliers
• Derrick Williams, PF, Minnesota Timberwolves
• Kemba Walker, PG, Charlotte Bobcats
• Jimmer Fredette, PG/SG, Sacramento Kings
• Klay Thompson, SG, Golden State Warriors

Long-Term Upside

• Jan Vesely, SF, Washington Wizards
• Bismack Biyombo, PF, Charlotte Bobcats
• Brandon Knight. PG, Detroit Pistons
• Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Antonio Spurs

Sleepers

• Alec Burks, SG, Utah Jazz
• Norris Cole, PG, Miami Heat
• Markieff Morris, PF, Phoenix Suns

http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/basketball/fba/story?page=11draftrookies

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NBA News 2011: Cavs Favor Valanciunas Over Kanter

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If Jonas Valanciunas' buyout is completed before the draft, multiple sources indicate the Cavs are leaning toward taking the 245-pounder. However, if the snafu is still hanging over his head, then the 259-pound Kanter could be the pick.

First of all, there’s an outside chance Kanter will be selected No. 2 by Minnesota or No. 3 by Utah.

Kanter appears to be a safer pick than Valanciunas for the Cavs. He’s ready to play right now. His offensive skills and physical development are further along.

Then why would the Cavs select Valanciunas?

His ceiling appears to be much higher. Once it all comes together for the Lithuanian center, he could become an All-Star.

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/214189/Source_Cavs_Favor_Valanciunas_Over_Kanter

NBA News 2011: Top Five NBA-Ready Point Guards

Image by Getty Images via @daylife
With the NCAA men's basketball season behind us and the NBA Playoffs underway, it is time to start preparing for the 2011 NBA Draft (even if there might not be a 2011-12 NBA season…).  As HOOPSWORLD ramps up our continuing coverage of the draft, here is a look at the top five NBA ready point guards in the class of 2011.

1. Kyrie Irving, Duke
2. Kemba Walker, Connecticut
3. Nolan Smith, Duke
4. Brandon Knight, Kentucky
5. Jimmer Fredette, BYU

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=19512

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NBA News 2011: NBA Prospect Josh Selby

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Josh Selby, 6-2, Shooting Guard, Freshman, Kansas
8.7 points, 2.4 assists, 2.3 rebounds, 1.0 steals, 2.3 turnovers, 38% FG, 37% 3P, 76% FT

Billed as an incredibly creative and explosive scorer with outstanding athletic tools coming into college, Selby has shown flashes of that potential, putting it all together for a handful of games this season, but has struggled heavily with inconsistency and turnovers.

In the half-court setting, Selby is a very dangerous scorer when he catches the ball on the move, having an outstanding first step to go along with strong change of direction ability and body control in the lane, making him very dynamic within the flow of the offense. The problem for Selby is this had made up just a small part of his game this season, as he's attacked the basket very infrequently, getting to the line and getting shots in the lane at a poor rate. He averages just 1.7 free throws compared to 7.9 field goal attempts per game, and according to Synergy Sports Technology, in the half-court setting he's attempted 95 jumpers compared to 30 shots around the basket.

Overall, he's converting just 39% of his 2-point attempts, which would be the lowest percentage of any player drafted in the last ten years, if he indeed decided to enter. Combine that with his paltry 37 free throw attempts in 22 games, and it's no surprise why Selby ranks as the least efficient scorer amongst players in our top-100 prospects ranking.

Selby's ability to create in isolation settings isn't something that has fully translated to the college level in the halfcourt, as he seems to have had some trouble adapting to the tougher defense, struggling with turnovers and not getting past his man as frequently as he was used to in high school. He's prone to committing offensive fouls by pushing off on spin moves and commonly loses control of the ball in not-so-difficult situations, something that's been exacerbated late in the season with his foot problems. His prolonged absence to start the year combined with the very short leash Bill Self has him on surely isn't helping matters, but it's clear that he hasn't been able to translate his scoring prowess at the high school level the way many expected him to.

As a shooter, Selby's done a solid job contributing for the Jayhawks, shooting a solid 36.9% on 3.8 three-point attempts per game, showing decent but occasionally sloppy mechanics and a great ability to put the ball in the basket. He's doing most of his work here spotting up, however, taking very few jumpers off the dribble and having less freedom to go out and create his own shot like he was known for the past.

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Trending-Prospects-3182011--3651/

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NBA News 2011: Draft Prospect Harrison Barnes

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Something that constantly needs to be mentioned when evaluating Barnes' potential at the NBA level are the intangibles he brings. Despite being just 18 years old, Barnes already plays with a tremendous amount of savvy, something that leaves great optimism regarding his future. He's a team player who displays an ideal temperament out on the floor, never getting too high or low in any given moment, and always playing with great self-confidence.

Anyone that has been around him states emphatically that his character is of the highest standard, and whoever drafts him can be fairly certain that he will represent them extremely well on and off the court. Despite the shortcomings mentioned, there is very little doubt that he will continue to work diligently on improving the weaker points of his game once he reaches the NBA. Considering his age, it's not a stretch to say that he still has plenty of room to grow as a player.

The biggest question mark teams might have about Barnes is whether he has the upside to be the best player on a NBA playoff team, or if he would be better suited playing a more complimentary role. His play in the NCAA tournament starting this weekend could go a long ways in shedding light on this topic, and will likely play a role in how high he ends up being picked—if he decides to enter the draft.

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/NBA-Draft-Prospect-of-the-Week-Harrison-Barnes-3648/

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NBA News 2011: 2011's Top 5 Draft Picks?

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Top Of The Class:  With the NBA trade deadline clearly in the rear view mirror and Selection Sunday just around the corner, its time to shift a little focus towards the 2011 NBA Draft and the names you need to know as we get closer to the end of the regular season.

Here is who you need to know:

1. Kyrie Irving - Duke, Freshman - PG - 6'2" - 185lbs - 18

2. Jonas Valanciunas - Lietuvos Rytas C - 6'11" - 240lbs - 18

3. Jared Sullinger - Ohio State, Freshman - PF - 6'8" - 250lbs - 18

4. Perry Jones - Baylor, Freshman - PF - 6'11" - 220lbs - 19

5. Derrick Williams - Arizona, Sophomore - PF - 6'8" - 235lbs - 19

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?STORY_ID=18963

NBA News 2010: Draft Prospect Kyrie Irving

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If there is such a thing as a freshman playing flawless basketball right now, Kyrie Irving would qualify for that outlandish statement.

Productive, efficient, unselfish, exciting—there's really no shortage of ways to describe the way Irving has performed thus far. He's managed to take a NCAA Tournament championship team—ranked as the best offense in college basketball—and make them even better, acting as their main facilitator, shot-maker and go-to guy. Dominant when needed, but still deferential enough to keep all of Duke's many other options happy (thus far), Irving has fit in as seamlessly as possible, making the transition to the NCAA-level look effortless.

Irving is scoring at a terrific rate thus far, nearly 22 points per-40 minutes pace adjusted, but is doing so without the luxury of taking very many shots. He's accomplished that feat by converting efficiently inside the arc (59%), hitting his 3-pointers at a blistering 45% clip, and getting to the free throw line over 8-times per-40. There really isn't much more you can ask for besides that, especially considering that he's only eight games into his college career.

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/NBA-Draft-Prospect-of-the-Week-Kyrie-Irving-3591/

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NBA News 2010: NBA Prospect Perry Jones

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Simply put, no prospect in the 2010 high school class displays more NBA potential than Baylor commit Perry Jones (#12 Scout, #6 Rivals, #3 ESPN). Right off the bat, Jones wows you with his terrific physical attributes—standing 6-10 or 6-11, with a great frame, long arms and incredible athleticism. Jones runs the floor like a deer, explodes off the ground as if he has a personal trampoline at his disposal, and is extremely fluid and reactive to everything that goes on around him.

Skill-wise, there is quite a bit to like here as well. We regularly saw Jones grab a rebound and then handle the ball up-court himself, often weaving in and out of traffic before dishing off a perfectly timed no-look pass right into the path of a teammate streaking towards the basket. He also has a very nice jump-shot, showing streaky range out to the 3-point line, but with the type of touch and mechanics that lead you to believe that he can develop this part of his game into a real weapon in time.

When attacking the rim in the half-court, Jones displays an excellent first step and is capable of getting to the basket in two long strides, sometimes mixing in some very nice spins and pivot moves, often starting off a sharp crossover. Once he’s inside the paint, he finishes with the greatest of ease, typically in highlight reel fashion. Jones is certain to be a fixture many a highlight reel, as he has slamdunk contest-caliber leaping ability. His teammates regularly just throw lobs in the general direction of the rim, knowing that Jones will find a way to go get the ball and hammer it home.

In terms of weaknesses, there are a few you could point towards. One would be his complete lack of a back to the basket game, something you’d like to see him develop considering the quickness and nifty footwork he displays. He needs to get stronger in the lower body first, and probably quite a bit tougher in the paint as well.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Perry-Jones-5713/

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