Kemba Walker vs Kyrie Irving – who will get a higher draft pick this year? Part 2
3-Point Shooting:
A 3-pointer is one of the most deadly weapons in the arsenal of a point guard. If a player has a good shot from downtown, he becomes a very hard task for any defender. Three pointers can not only knock the momentum of the other side, they can provide an impetus to your own and can be a devastating weapon when closing out the game.
If on song, a good 3-point shooter can render the opposite team helpless. We need look no further for the importance of shooting from beyond the arc then Jason Terry’s exploits against the Los Angeles Lakers a couple of days ago.
Kyrie Irving is a proper shooter. He has a high field goal percentage and it is no different from downtown. He possesses an ability to drain three pointers with ease and consistency. His 46.2 percent success rate confirms the fact that he can hold his own in this department.
Kemba has a lower percentage at 34, but he has taken around 200 more shots then Irving. Kemba does have a good stroke and there is no deficiency in his shooting style. He lacks consistency which hopefully he will achieve with the help of an NBA coach.
Defence:
Defence is one of the most important aspects of any player, not just a point guard. From current MVP Derrick Rose to past greats like Michael Jordan himself, all great players display tenacity in defence. If a player is not a good defender, he is simply a liability to the team.
Kemba is an aggressive player on D. His athleticism and speed mean that not many players can get by him. He does his job with enthusiasm, but perhaps lacks a bit of discipline. His size could also be an issue against bigger, stronger opponents.
Irving is strong, and at 6-2 he should be able to matchup with the opposing point guards. Irving has the basics of defending drilled into him. He doesn’t slack off, and stays close to suffocate the opponent of any space. His wide wingspan is also useful for blocking off the passing lanes.
Conclusion:
While both are point guards and have many similar characteristics, there are also marked differences in their game. Kemba is shorter and older; he has played three years at college and as such, would be better prepared to take the step into the NBA. However Kemba does turn the ball over and needs to drill that out of his game. Under a good coach, he could improve greatly. Kemba has the ability to score and create, and his speed is an asset. However, his defence and shooting need to be worked upon. Also being a flashy player, Kemba is prone to lapses in concentration.
Irving is younger and has time on his side. The player lost most of his season to injury, featuring in just 11 games for Duke. However, he did show glimpses of his undoubted potential in that short span. Irving is a good shooter from the field, better than Kemba, and also solid from beyond the arc. He has a sense of how to pass the ball as well as great handling skills. His defensive game is also on a good level.
Having said all that, Irving will still be a huge gamble. For all his talent, there is no escaping the fact that the player is largely untested and lacks experience. He might not be ready and that could be a big factor in the tough world of NBA basketball.
Teams in the NBA will definitely be looking at Kemba, who can come in and make an instant impact in the league. Kemba will most probably be the higher pick. However, if a team has time, and belief in their own coaching system, they should pick Irving. If Kyrie receives proper guidance and is eased into the league, he can go on to become a big star.
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