With the first overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers have selected Kyrie Irving, the point guard from Duke.
Though the Cavs kept completely silent about the pick leading up to the announcement, this choice does not come as a surprise. For weeks, experts and insiders have been predicting the Cavs to take Irving first.
In 11 games with Duke in 2010/2011, Irving averaged 17.5 points per game, 4.3 assists, and 3.4 rebounds. More importantly, however, Irving shot 53 percent from the field and 46 percent from beyond the arc while consistently making his teammates play at a higher level.
Irving tore a ligament in his foot early in the season, however, and missed most of the regular season. Amidst questions on his effectiveness, he returned to the court for the NCAA tournament, averaging 17 points during the tournament, including a stunning 28 against Arizona in a loss.
Though the Cavs had several point guards on their roster, including Baron Davis, Daniel Gibson, and Ramon Sessions, Irving has more potential than those three for a team attempting to rebuild, and likely represents a franchise player.
Baron Davis was included in the trade for the pick that ended up being the first overall, and is not a long-term solution. BY selecting a point guard first, the Cavs opened up the potential to have Irving learn under Davis, or trade Davis to try to find skilled players to surround Irving.
The Cavs are in desperate need to rebuild since losing LeBron to “The Decision,” and Irving is the best choice for a player to rebuild the franchise around. His presence improves all other players on the court; he exudes confidence, and is strong in almost all aspects of his game.
In one of the weakest draft classes in NBA history, there weren’t many options for the Cavs to choose from. Almost all experts labeled him as the best selection available, or perhaps simply the least likely to be a bust. Either way, Irving will head the charge to turn around the Cavs and bring a championship, or simply a winning season, back to Northeast Ohio.
-Jamie Arkin